$10K for a used or new streamer/dac/volume

[banpuku]

Hi Everyone,

Hope all is well. I am committing to digital in a meaningful (at least for me) way. Today, I have a Bluenode streamer and am controlling volume via my ipad. To my ears, the unit is a bit thin and missing some richness/body for violin and piano. Also, dynamics are OK, but I suspect more exists in a better unit.

So, I need your thoughts on a used or new streamer/dac/volume. Budget is $10K. Must have a minimum of 3Vrms output (unbalanced). Trying to avoid an overly analytical sound. Rather, dynamics and TONE are key to my tastes. I listen to chamber music and therefore, violin/piano tonality is the the top attribute I am seeking. Piano dynamics is also very important. I am open to either a used or new unit. I certainly don't mind being behind the latest release for a given unit (aka don't need to be bleeding edge). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Manufacturers - I would like to hear from you if you have suggestions from you line.

Pat

 

[tmallin]

I used the Lumin X1 streamer/DAC for over five years and was very pleased, Used, it can be had for well under $10k. I recently sold it, my Lumin L2, and my pair of Benchmark AHB2 amps, but only because I'm pursuing further simplification of m audio system, not because I was at all dissatisfied sonically.

I now have Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 and believe it sounds just as fine as the Lumin/Benchmark equipment for much less money plus much added functionality all in a single box. Note my system configuration linked from my signature. I regard the ethernet optical filter as all important and the Farad LPS units as also important. For Roon, the Poor Man's Nucleus Plus is also a good choice. You can buy the Lyngdorf and all those doodads new for under $10k.

 

[banpuku]

Thanks Tom for your reply. I am trying to keep my amplifiers and thus, probably would not pursue the Lyngdorf because of the built in amps.

The Lumin X1 looks interesting. Also, the MSB Discrete DAC with volume looks affordable (used). Not sure if anyone has experience with both the Lumin vs MSB products. Thoughts?

 

[OLADRA]

Hi Pat, Antipodes Audio has music servers under your budget, but you would need to add a DAC into the pricing equation.
The K21 USB out, is the starting point in our range... https://antipodes.audio/k21.php
We have MSB DACs in our listening rooms, there is great synergy with Antipodes and MSB.

Antipodes servers have a comprehensive software suite enabling the use of Roon, Squeeze, JPlay (UPnP via MinimServer or MiniDLNA)

 

[Bones13]

Look for a Mola Mola Tambiqui. Might be hard to find used.

There are some older used MSB DACs, some that might be fitted with a streamer for $10k, but you would need to get lucky in the used market.

Bricasti, probably, but might not be warm enough for your tastes.

Not sure of any RCA voltages though. I use balanced connections.

 

[J007B]

+1 For the Lumin X1

 

[defride]

On the face of it I'd suggest taking a look at an Auralic Altair G2.2. All the features you're looking for, well within budget and a significant step up from the Node. Information about the rest of your system would help others offer a more informed opinion

 

[DasguteOhr]

Get a used la rosita gamma hd, its sound so good you can't imagine.

En- LA ROSITA - GAMMA HD | larosita

www.larosita.fr

 

[Hear Here]

Hi Everyone,

Hope all is well. I am committing to digital in a meaningful (at least for me) way. Today, I have a Bluenode streamer and am controlling volume via my ipad. To my ears, the unit is a bit thin and missing some richness/body for violin and piano. Also, dynamics are OK, but I suspect more exists in a better unit.

So, I need your thoughts on a used or new streamer/dac/volume. Budget is $10K. Must have a minimum of 3Vrms output (unbalanced). Trying to avoid an overly analytical sound. Rather, dynamics and TONE are key to my tastes. I listen to chamber music and therefore, violin/piano tonality is the the top attribute I am seeking. Piano dynamics is also very important. I am open to either a used or new unit. I certainly don't mind being behind the latest release for a given unit (aka don't need to be bleeding edge). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Manufacturers - I would like to hear from you if you have suggestions from you line.

Pat

You can get all you want, plus plenty more, at about half your budget.

Take a look a the NAD Master Series M66 streamer / DAC / preamp. There are rivals, but I've concluded none offers the features and performance of the M66, though I'm holding fire on an upgrade from my M33 until I read a comprehensive review by a respected reviewer - coming very soon, I've been advised!

 

[Hear Here]

+1 For the Lumin X1

But doesn't the Lumin X1 lack a "preamp" section - ie it offers no alternative inputs? Wouldn't the Lumin P1 be the better choice for the OP? It certainly would for me, although I suspect I'll go for the NAD M66.

 

[mtemur]

@banpuku, the issue you're experiencing is typical of the 'plastic' sound many streamer/DACs produce, and it's not just limited to the Bluenode. I'd suggest looking into a used CD player for around $500, ideally one with a Philips CDM mechanism and a TDA1541 DAC. Use the remaining $9,500 to build a quality CD collection.

If the output from the CD player isn't strong enough, you could add a used preamp for around $500. The result will be a more tactile, emotionally engaging, and lifelike sound than what you'll get from most streamers.

 

[banpuku]

Great input everyone. Thank you. I recently purchased a Leben RS28CX pre-amp which has dramatically improved my sound which, in my opinion, is due to the ability of the pre-amp to drive the amp (Pass Aleph 0s) properly. Finding a streamer that will drive an amp properly might be a challenge, but hopefully everyone's suggestions will lead me to a good solution.

I will do some research on the suggestions from everyone and come back with a few more questions. Meanwhile, I welcome any further input. This is a great forum. Very helpful.