STREAMER - WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

Op

I have an all-Aries Cerat system that includes Essentia Mono, Ageto Pre, Kassandra 2 Ref, and Aurora speakers.  I am just using this to frame where I am coming from.  I find the front end to be super important.  You can debate all day long which is more important in the system, the DAC or the Music Server.  Sometimes it depends on the DAC or MS level you buy.  I have had Lampi Pacific, Horizon and Lumin X-1 in the past.  In my system, I rate the server more important than the DAC ---it is close 55/45.

I have had multiple servers over time.  However, one that has stood out to me is the Lucas Audio LDMS Music Server from Poland.  The owner, Lucas Domansky, is a computer genius.  It is Roon, Tidal, and Qobuz ready.  My current LDMS has a 8 tb hard drive that has over 5 tb's of music already loaded.  Please check out the Lucas Audio Website.  I think it is the best Music Server under $30k bar none and to get a used one for under $10k is a steal. I have often wanted to do an A/B test against the vaunted Taiko cult servers.  I am going to upgrade to a higher-level LDMS in the next two months and will sell my existing server.  I live in Arizona.  I have not listed anything yet, but if you are interested in discussing further, let me know.  

@fire_water asked “What's the size of your room?”

RESPONSE – As stated on my system page, it’s about 15’ x 25’ w/10’ ceilings.  I’m not familiar with the ATC.  The only other speakers that I’m considering are the Sonus Faber Amatis, Serafinos or perhaps the Kef Blades if I can ever find a place that has them setup in Phoenix, LA or San Diego.

@fire_water continued with “@patrickalston that's quite the system, beautiful tubes! Nothing wrong with Rib Eye steaks lol  So you aren't interested in vinyl anymore? I'm torn between the idea of vinyl or upgrading my Accuphase DAC to their flagship.”

RESPONSE – I was all hot and bothered a few months when I bought my Feickert 25^th Anniversary table (which sits unused as seen in my system photo) and have boxes and boxes of sealed albums.  I’m leaning towards cutting my losses with analog and selling my table, the wonderful high-speed Revov B77 Reel-to-Reel, my Magnum Dynalab MD100 Triode tuner and the DMP-A8.  This way, I can focus on getting a streamer, my endgame speakers and perhaps my wet-dream amps, the BAT Rex monoblocks to replace my fantastic VK-120 monos.

@helomech wrote “Didn’t see the OP’s speakers mentioned, but as long as he’s using the tube amps and BAT DAC, there is absolutely no way he is going to hear differences in streamer quality.”

RESPONSE – Hmmm. . .  Let’s hope you’re wrong. I own Martin-Logan CLS 1s, a full-range electrostatic, which are some of the most revealing speakers ever produced which is why I’ve been unable to move away from them in the almost 40 years that I’ve owned them.

I’m curious, how much time have you spent listening to the Rex 3 DAC through Martin-Logan CLS 1s to be able to reach your conclusion? 

What I can share based on my limited time with the Rex 3 DAC is the difference between it + the A8 used as a streamer and the DMP-A8 (streamer/DAC) is extraordinary.  Earlier in this thread, I posted a link to the only review that I could find which describes the Rex DAC as having  the ability to “extract the most information from any digital sources” and it “provides all the detail expected, probably more than one is used to hearing.”  It’s “Sumptuous, detailed, and inviting… without losing sparkle. . .amazing dynamics.”

With that said, once I audition another streamer, then I’ll report back.

@choiceaudio wrote “the USB output is quite good on the N20.  You’re really not sacrificing anything on that end.  I do see your point about not spending money on something that you won’t use, unless the BAT DAC has an AES input? “

RESPONSE:  I can’t throw any shade on the N20.  From what I read, it’s one of the best streamers available.  As I said above, it’s just not the best match for the BAT REX 3 DAC because the N20’s sonic signature and output architecture do not align with the REX 3’s strengths. The BAT REX 3 DAC is architecturally optimized for asynchronous USB.  The REX 3’s USB input is asynchronous, isolated, clock‑controlled internally offering the highest‑performance path.  So,  from the DAC’s perspective, USB is the superior input with these streamers identified as those that pair beautifully with the REX 3:

• Innuos Pulsar
• Innuos Statement
• Lumin U2
• HiFi Rose RS130
• Taiko Extreme
• Auralic Aries G3

That’s why I’m considering the RS130 and the Pulsar and not the popularly suggested N20.

@maam522a wrote “Invest your money in the best DAC you can afford and then let it process all the Ones and Zeros.”  

RESPONSE  - I agree and think that the Rex Dac is the best regardless of price. 

@jrareform wrote "If you can afford it, why don't you try an upgraded power supply for your Eversolo, the Innuos pulsar and whatever Aurender you can afford and test them together.  I certainly wouldn't just pull the trigger on one and hope that I have the best for my system." and ". . .get a QUALITY USB cable" and ". . ."The Aplha won.  My wallet did not."   

RESPONSE:  I wholeheartedly agree with you.  That's my plan. . .and I'm working the USB cable made by some Swiss company that seems to be well-regarded.  I dunno.    My comprehensive cable plan will come later. My unfounded opinion is that cables refine and don't define a system.  Have one arriving Tuesday. to replace the USB that I stole from my printer. . .and like you, my wallet never wins.

@helomech wrote "You’re using tube amps but looking for an “end game” streamer vs a DMP-A8…."  

RESPONSE:  Not sure what you mean.  I'm looking for an endgame streamer.  Period.  My search has nothing to do with the A8 beyond wanting a dedicated streamer.  I've owned the A8 for two years and focused on other parts of my system.  So, it's the only reference point that I've lived with. 

I was curious about the basis for your comment ". . .as long as he’s (i.e., me) using the tube amps and BAT DAC, there is absolutely no way he is going to hear differences in streamer quality.”