OP, does your room have a flat frequency response? Can you post any measurements you have taken? If you don’t know find out before buying anything because you may want to address that first.
Integrated for Streaming
I’m looking to upgrade my digital streaming system in my living room. I currently have a Yamaha A-S2100 integrated. The As2100 sounds very nice, but maybe lacking some depth. It really looks great as a centerpiece . I like the classic silver look with the VU meters. A new integrated would have to be a kind of a center piece as well, with any other gear stored out of site.
I’m using a Bluesound Vault2 into a Schitt Yggdrasil, both are 5+ years and no upgrades.. Toslink between the Vault and Yiggi, Balanced from Yiggi to AS2100, simple #10 stranded X 6’ speaker cables. The speakers are Sonus Faber Electa Amator III, and they are staying in the system.
I am just looking to stream with this system, no CD or phono. I use Roon, Tidal, Spotify. I don’t need MQA. But I need a remote, and a good app (Roon). And, I want fill my room with the best sound I can.
One thought is to keep the Bluesound and Yiggi and upgrade to a better integrated, used Luxman L509X, Accuphase, a used VAC Sigma could drive the Sonus Fabers with 85 watts. Most other tube integrated amps may not have enough watts to do the job (Decware, Shindo..) Gryphon 120, Mola Kula, Constellation 1.0 would be nice, but too pricey, even used. I have had Pass, Rogue and Parasound, all very good, but looking for something different.
The other thought is to go with an all in one component like the Ayre EX8, Naim Unity Atom, or Cambridge Audio Evo 150. I like the idea of one component doing everything, less cables and clutter, and less expensive than the above options. But can these Class D integrated amps sound "amazing" ?
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@marktheshark Does the ideal solution have local file serving via hard drive or network storage device as well, or do you plan to only stream? One suggestion is to find a quality preamp with DAC and streamer built in and use your Yamaha A-S2100 as an amp only (you can set the unit to bypass its volume attenuator in the back). This may give you the oomph you are looking for while also expanding your options. I am an Aurender dealer and can tell you the Aurender A15 might fit the bill. Compared to Bluesound, Aurender will have more of everything (clarity, separation, stage size), and the preamp stage is very linear. This might work well knowing that the Yamaha is a bit more relaxed. The A15 could stack just above the amplifier and add to the centerpiece design you are seeking. There are other solutions as well. A Modwright CXN V2 might be a more cost effective way to go (Cambridge CXN V2 whose analog stage has been modded to a hefty tube-based circuit and quality linear power supply). The A15 does sound better, but at a higher price point.
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I had a Naim Unity Atom and it’s very good for what it is. The software and interface are easy. I sold it as the apartment I used for work is no more. A used Lumin T2 or new T3 will blow away the bluesound/schitt gear. Once upon a time I had a Bluesound too….. As mentioned a more robust intergrated would really help. You could get solid state or tubes. For your budget you can reel this in.
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