itsikhefez
Member
Hi all,
I am very happy with the sound quality of my system but the amount of power cables and interconnects really bothers me and I'm hoping to somehow declutter / downsize my system without compromising (too much) on sound.
The main system consists of Benchmark LA4/AHB2/DAC3 and sources are RPI streamer, Nakamichi ZX-9 tape deck and Technics SL-1200G turntable which requires an external phono stage.
There are a few approaches to downsize
- an integrated amplifier that has MM phono and that would turn 3 boxes into one (preamp/amp/phono)
- preamp with MM phono and a DAC which would again reduce 3 boxes into one (preamp/DAC/phono)
- preamp with DAC and streamer and 2 analog inputs would again reduce 3 boxes into one (preamp/DAC/streamer)
One additional requirement is pre-out to integrate a subwoofer and bonus is a fixed out for the tape deck.
I could get give up on the analog source which would ease a fair amount on the requirements but while they aren't my primary source of listening they do add to the enjoyment and ideally I can find a solution which allows them to integrate.
After a few hours of searching I decided to try out a Bryston B135 (Cubed version) with MM phono card. It satisfies basically all of my requirements and they typically measure well so I didn't think that subjectively I would notice a difference with my existing system.
Unfortunately, the B135 was fairly loud mechanically (I could hear the transformer from my listening position) which is something I can't get used to.
In addition, noise at the speaker as the volume knob increases was noticeably louder than the Benchmark.
I bought the Bryston second-hand so maybe something is wrong with it but it is only about 2 years old and looks in mint condition.
After about an hour of listening I was fairly disappointed (compared to my current system) so it is likely going back.
Looking for the experienced folks here for any recommendations
Thanks!
I am very happy with the sound quality of my system but the amount of power cables and interconnects really bothers me and I'm hoping to somehow declutter / downsize my system without compromising (too much) on sound.
The main system consists of Benchmark LA4/AHB2/DAC3 and sources are RPI streamer, Nakamichi ZX-9 tape deck and Technics SL-1200G turntable which requires an external phono stage.
There are a few approaches to downsize
- an integrated amplifier that has MM phono and that would turn 3 boxes into one (preamp/amp/phono)
- preamp with MM phono and a DAC which would again reduce 3 boxes into one (preamp/DAC/phono)
- preamp with DAC and streamer and 2 analog inputs would again reduce 3 boxes into one (preamp/DAC/streamer)
One additional requirement is pre-out to integrate a subwoofer and bonus is a fixed out for the tape deck.
I could get give up on the analog source which would ease a fair amount on the requirements but while they aren't my primary source of listening they do add to the enjoyment and ideally I can find a solution which allows them to integrate.
After a few hours of searching I decided to try out a Bryston B135 (Cubed version) with MM phono card. It satisfies basically all of my requirements and they typically measure well so I didn't think that subjectively I would notice a difference with my existing system.
Unfortunately, the B135 was fairly loud mechanically (I could hear the transformer from my listening position) which is something I can't get used to.
In addition, noise at the speaker as the volume knob increases was noticeably louder than the Benchmark.
I bought the Bryston second-hand so maybe something is wrong with it but it is only about 2 years old and looks in mint condition.
After about an hour of listening I was fairly disappointed (compared to my current system) so it is likely going back.
Looking for the experienced folks here for any recommendations
Thanks!