@patrickalston You might want to investigate the Matrix NT-1 DAT ($4 - 4.5k USD). At least several credible reviews allege its (USB) performance to be stellar and on par with pricier hardware. This seems plausible due to meticulous attention given to noise suppression via its power supply and digital transmission architecture. Yes, it has features you don't need, but it seems to be on the leading edge of the price-to-performance envelope and well into the realm of diminishing returns.
STREAMER - WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
I've been using the Eversolo DMP-A8 and think it's a mid-range, feature-rich, capable, and attractive machine. For the past few months, my focus has been on putting my system together (e.g., new caps on the amps, new tubes, getting clean power, turntable, phono stage, etc) and have felt that I've been overly focused on the analog side. I've long wanted to work on getting my end game digital setup and pulled the trigger on a BAT Rex 3 DAC and now want a streamer that mates well with it. I know little about streamers. . .just enough to get lost in the topic.
Other than an easy-to-read screen and balanced outputs, what features should I look for in an endgame streamer that will deliver a significant performance boost? I invite any suggestions.
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@ted_b looks interesting--well built. I went through the Matrix website; however, its best performance is not through USB. Both the Pulsar and RS130 are better matches. . .and, even if it were better than the other two and priced less, my personal preference is not to have components from its country of origin in my system. My preference is always to purchase domestic US components. Unfortunately, those that make transports, PS Audio, Sonore, Wyred 4 Sound, Mojo Audio and Empirical Audio, are less compatible for my DAC than the Pulsar and the RS130. |
@fire_water - I understand your frustration of not being able to audition the speakers extensively, I also had to buy without being able to listen to them as much as I would have liked to. My living room is ~ 20' * 18' and is an open layout with an equal sized dining room behind and a longish corridor on one side. I haven't done any room treatments specifically and am sure much better sound would be possible from the Grimm MU2+ATC actives combination once I get the opportunity to do that. But they still do sound absolutely wonderful (and significantly better than my previous Naim and Audio Physic speakers combination).
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@thuhaile You're not the first to suggest that and I only wish that were true. I could save thousands. My system has the double-edged sword of being extraordinarily revealing. I've been living with the RS130 for almost a week and it's a clear improvement over the Eversolo. . Sharper.. The 130 is more airy and holographic....and that says a lot given the excellent performance that I enjoyfrom the A8. Im curious, why would you think I'd hear no difference?
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