Hi all. I've been a listening to vinyl for many years. After moving to a new home, there seems to be some strange RFI that my pre-amp section is picking up and it's affecting my listening experience. Did almost everything I could save for using XLR cables as my turntable and integrated amp do not have those connections. The problem remains unsolved. Long story short, that's when I started to explore digital music as an alternative. I am subscribed to Spotify and was hoping to stream digital music to my hi-fi. I just signed up for Tidal Master too and am on my first free month.
I have considered the following set up;
1. NAD C399 with MDC2 expansion card (all-in-one) - Will stretch my budget a little but cleanest implementation. Quite impressed with the BluOS app.
2. NAD C298 with C658 - Combo costs more than C399. Auditioned C658 and C399 and prefer the sound of C399
3. RPi with Volumio USB streaming to Topping D90SE with RCA connections into my existing integrated amp (Music Hall A15.3) - Or should I connect Topping to a power amp instead?
4. Bluetooth (iOS devices) to Topping D90SE with RCA connections into existing A15.3 (cheapest option since I only need to buy the DAC)
I live in Singapore. Getting my hands on electronics and parts will not be challenging. I can even repurpose a RPi board from my 3D printer as I print much lesser these days.
I have recently upgraded my Music Hall Marimba speakers to a pair of Triangle BR08. I find my current A15.3 a quite lacking to drive the floor standers. So I'm also thinking of upgrading my amp.
Also considering that I may need to pay for certain software like Roon, Volumio, etc., I am rather swayed in the direction of picking up the NAD C399. On the other hand, I am interested in getting my hands dirty by going the RPi route.
I'm still new to many words and abbreviations like DSP, Roon, DIRAC, etc. Currently overwhelmed by all these names. Please be kind. Would like to hear what the rest of you guys think.
I have considered the following set up;
1. NAD C399 with MDC2 expansion card (all-in-one) - Will stretch my budget a little but cleanest implementation. Quite impressed with the BluOS app.
2. NAD C298 with C658 - Combo costs more than C399. Auditioned C658 and C399 and prefer the sound of C399
3. RPi with Volumio USB streaming to Topping D90SE with RCA connections into my existing integrated amp (Music Hall A15.3) - Or should I connect Topping to a power amp instead?
4. Bluetooth (iOS devices) to Topping D90SE with RCA connections into existing A15.3 (cheapest option since I only need to buy the DAC)
I live in Singapore. Getting my hands on electronics and parts will not be challenging. I can even repurpose a RPi board from my 3D printer as I print much lesser these days.
I have recently upgraded my Music Hall Marimba speakers to a pair of Triangle BR08. I find my current A15.3 a quite lacking to drive the floor standers. So I'm also thinking of upgrading my amp.
Also considering that I may need to pay for certain software like Roon, Volumio, etc., I am rather swayed in the direction of picking up the NAD C399. On the other hand, I am interested in getting my hands dirty by going the RPi route.
I'm still new to many words and abbreviations like DSP, Roon, DIRAC, etc. Currently overwhelmed by all these names. Please be kind. Would like to hear what the rest of you guys think.