Advice requested: new Preamp-DAC-Streamer setup

[alex-gee]

Dear all,

I'm moving in a few weeks and my new Audio listening location does not have an Ethernet connection near by, which would be important, as I still use an ancient Marantz AV7005 AV-Preamp in my current setup. Currently I usually stream from Spotify on my iPhone via Airplay (which only works with Ethernet connection - Wifi not supported).

My remaining system:
Marantz AV7005 (XLR preout to amplifier + XLR preout to subwoofer, both connected via 12V trigger)
KEF Reference 203
Opera Consonance Kalaf A18p Amplifier (trigger in & XLR input)
Subwoofer QinChao 9115D (trigger in & XLR input)

Requirements:

• Tidal Connect capability
• good sound quality (everything is better than streaming via Airplay today via Spotify Premium)
• Wifi Internet connection
• 12V Trigger (2x preferred)
• Stereo + Sub Out
• PEQ, Room Correction would be nice, but I list it as optional

A few additional information before jumping into my potential options I thought of:

• The new listening position is temporary for the next 1-2 years until my new room is finished
• The new room will be multichannel / home cinema focused (5.1, or 5.2 with projector)
• I use Arylic in my other rooms for my in-wall speakers
• I'm planning to switch to Tidal in the future
• I'm not sure if I'm able to hear significant differences between the DACs (47y old )

Potential options I came up with (ascending budget):

1. Wiim Mini - 80$: SPDIF out to my current Preamp
2. Arylic S50 Pro+ - 150$: Analog out to my current Preamp -> benefit: I could use the system in my multiroom setup. Theoretically, it should be possible to replace my preamp, but no sub out
3. Laptop with USB to DAC-DAC RCA to current Preamp - 260$: Geshelli Labs JNOG2 SOCKETED [J2S] - benefit: very flexible
4. Wiim Ultra - 329$: replace my current Preamp
5. Topping Pre90 + DAC: 530$ = DAC = approx. 800$ - replace current preamp, but no tigger, no sub out, lapto pneeded...
6. Eversolo A8 - 1500-2000$: replace my current preamp - downside: I probably switch to active monitors in the future in my living area, e.g. KEF LS50 wireless
7. Audiolab 9000N - 2800$: replace my current preamp

I currently tend to options 1-4 with different pros and cons - only option 4 would allow me to replace the current preamp. My opinions
1. cheap and will work
2. Multiroom and still cheap
3. Sound quality and I could also use the DAC in my home office with my active iLoud Micro Monitors
4. One box, modern and still affordable
5. Inconvenient
6. Probably best solution, but expensive and overkill for my home office
7. Probably even better solution, but expensive and overkill for my home office

What are your thoughts and recommendations?
Any other DAC, streamer or all in one box which I should consider?

Best
Alexander

 

[alex-gee]

Just saw the YT Review of Cheapaudioman for the Wiim Ultra... sounds like a bargain

 

[amper42]

Just saw the YT Review of Cheapaudioman for the Wiim Ultra... sounds like a bargain

1. The $80 for a Wiim mini would be my choice. It works great and will do the job you are looking for while offering you a great way to navigate Tidal with the Wiim App. It's amazingly easy to use.

2. My 2nd choice would be to use an existing computer you might have with Audirvana or another quality audio software. The Marantz offers DLNA support that allows Audirvana to stream your music collection directly to the unit. It also supports Tidal and Qobuz streaming from your phone or tablet.

There is no reason to spend more. But most of us like expensive toys so there's that.

 

[alex-gee]

I actually forgot additional options I looked at (in bold):

1. Connect iPhone via cable to preamp - I have the USB-C to analog adapter, which is basically a simple DAC - 0$
2. Wiim Mini - 80$: SPDIF out to my current Preamp
3. Arylic S50 Pro+ - 150$: Analog out to my current Preamp -> benefit: I could use the system in my multiroom setup. Theoretically, it should be possible to replace my preamp, but no sub out
4. Apple TV 2022 - 180$ - Tidal connect via app - connection to existing preamp via HDMI - downside: I do not have a TV and would be limited to Airplay streaming
5. Laptop with USB to DAC-DAC RCA to current Preamp - 260$: Geshelli Labs JNOG2 SOCKETED [J2S] - benefit: very flexible
6. Wiim Ultra - 329$: replace my current Preamp
7. Topping Pre90 + DAC: 530$ = DAC = approx. 800$ - replace current preamp, but no trigger, no sub out, laptop needed...
8. Cambridge Audio CXN V2 (refurb - 649$ - replace my current Preamp, XLR output, but no trigger output
9. Cambridge Audio CXN 100 - 1050$ - replace my current Preamp, XLR output, but no trigger output
10. NAD C658 (used) - 1000$ replace my current preamp as it has all features I want + even DIRAC - downside: many bad reviews regarding instability
11. Emotiva XDA-3 - 1100$: replace my current preamp - downside: additional streamer needed, like 1 & 2
12. Eversolo A8 - 1500-2000$: replace my current preamp - downside: I probably switch to active monitors in the future in my living area, e.g. KEF LS50 wireless
13. Audiolab 9000N - 2800$: replace my current preamp

 

[Multicore]

Just saw the YT Review of Cheapaudioman for the Wiim Ultra... sounds like a bargain

I remember watching that guy once years ago. He explained that USB was a terrible interface for digital audio and to be avoided.

 

[Mystic38]

another option.. eversolo DMPA6 > XLR to amp.. $850.. plus all of $12 for remote control. Has no trigger out, but you can get widgets to learn IR codes>trigger

 

[Soniclife]

Another option is to get a WiFi to ethernet adapter, and keep what you have.

 

[Hear Here]

I could offer a further suggestion but it would be last on your list because of its higher price - NAD M66.

Otherwise, I'd look at the Eversolo DMP A8. Not seen it myself, but it certainly seems to do a lot for little money and appears more "proper hi-fi" than most of the cheap stuff you find on Ebay, et, including the cheaper options you list. Happy hunting

 

[JeremyFife]

Just a comment: I'd move PEQ/DSP/Room Correction up to the top of your requirements list

Your existing Marantz does seem to have lots of good stuff - sub management and Audyssey - I'd be tempted to add a WiiM Mini and be done.
Alternatively, it's really hard to see past the WiiM Ultra when you want streaming and have a sub (and when you really ought to be using DSP of some sort)

The new BlueSound node range (very new) looks interesting too, albeit a bit more expensive

WiiM offers multi-room across the product range, did you need something different?

 

[alex-gee]

Thank you for all your suggestions…

I‘m looking right now for a used Wiim Mini, Pro or Arylic S50 Pro+ and keep my PreAmp.

Once I move my setup to the home cinema and IF I want another stereo listening space in my living room: I probably go for active studio monitors and re-Asses the situation.

It’s good to have options and I might go for a used nice DAC if I see a good offer and try it - probably in my home office with my active speakers.

I‘m surprised that many recommendations are going into direction of the cheapest option - usually audio forums are „different“

 

[alex-gee]

Quick update:

I‘m really tempted to buy the SMSL D6S…

I would like a DAC in my home office anyway - connecting PC to my iLoud Micro monitors (currently using speaker out from Mainboard).

I was initially thinking about SMSL SU-10 for 80€, but I‘m not sure if I can connect, as there is only one USB-C in - incl. power. Not sure if my Mainboard can deliver the power via USB + digital signal.

The SMSL D6S is 200€, but I would be able to experiment its use as a preamp for my setup (Laptop in DAC via USB-C, XLR to amplifier + RCA to subwoofer)…

Or a used Musical Fidelity M6s DAC - used for 550€ (new 1500€)… Looks good on paper, but you would also get a SMSL SU-9 Ultra or Geshelli Labs J2S with AKM4499 - not sure if a used high-end DAC can compete.

Any alternative in this price segment?
Feature wise (digital volume control, parallel output XLR + RCA, USB IN) and soundwise?

 

[Doublej]

I'd get a WiiM something. It is a Spotify endpoint which means Spotify communicates directly with your WiiM once you have selected your music in the Spotify app. If Airplay is important then don't get a WiiM Ultra as it cannot be an Airplay receiver.

 

[Chazz6]

...use an existing computer you might have with Audirvana or another quality audio software. The Marantz offers DLNA support that allows Audirvana to stream your music collection directly to the unit. It also supports Tidal and Qobuz streaming from your phone or tablet.

If you have a Windows PC, Minimserver software is free or low cost. The BubbleUPnP app on an Android device works with it to select a stream to play. (The DLNA architecture is built on UPnP.)

 

[DWPress]

Another possible option - one of those powerline converters for ethernet. I use a pair between buildings and there's enough bandwidth for music and movies.

I'd go for the WiiM Pro though and call it a good and cheap solution. I've purchased 2 WiiM products now and I'm just amazed at all the functionality these things have and the GUI is rock solid.

 

[pogo]

Bluesound Node Icon or the new Node with Dirac Live.