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Looking into all in one streamer amp

74.101.5.43
Posted on September 28, 2020 at 05:57:16
bullethead
 I am looking to sell some old equipment and get an all in one amp with streaming built in. I had a Sonos AMP that I gave to my brother and that is at the top of the list.

I'm aware of Heos, Bluesound, and that's about it.

My budget is under $1k, I will be powering Harbeth C7ES3 speakers.

I may pull the trigger on another Sonos AMP because I liked it and the software is great.

Not sure what to do right now,

 

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RE: Just curious, what's wrong with going from laptop through DAC to main system? , posted on September 29, 2020 at 04:17:27
B. Scarpia
 That's what I do for Amazon (not the HD) and Tidal, although only for casual listening away from "the chair". Not vinyl, but sounds pretty good.

 

RE: Just curious, what's wrong with going from laptop through DAC to main system? , posted on September 29, 2020 at 04:48:33
bullethead
 I have a main system with separates. But i've been trying for years to build a system around my spare speakers. I took a look at the separate options but this is for my bedroom.

It would be optimal to just have one box do it all. I can build something now but I'd rather de-clutter. Hi-res is really not important to me, but lossless is. I do like the Sonos AMP, I can plug my turntable into it and just have a turntable and the smart amp, and that's it.

Already have Sonos in the main system by way of the Connect. I tried the Sonos AMP already, it went well with the speakers.

If the option is HEOS which I've tried (crap software), BlueOS which I've tried (decent software) and Sonos which I already use (excellent software) it really boils down to how important high-res is. Not that much of that out there, just re-hashed old reel to reel archives recorded at a high bitrate.

 

RE: Just curious, what's wrong with going from laptop through DAC to main system? , posted on September 29, 2020 at 05:58:46
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 I honestly believe you can't go wrong with either one. I would lean towards the Sonos Amp since you already have and enjoy the Sonos OS.

I have the BS Node 2 streamer in the main system and use Sonos in the bedroom. I enjoy both very much.

With different DACs and class-D modules the Powernode and the Amp may sound a bit different from each other but I doubt one would be appreciably better than the other. Again, I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: Just curious, what's wrong with going from laptop through DAC to main system? , posted on September 29, 2020 at 07:48:16
bullethead
 cheers to you too!

I'll lean towards Sonos. Now I have to figure out what kind of speaker cables to use and move on from there.

thanks all for the help.

 

RE: Looking into all in one streamer amp, posted on September 28, 2020 at 18:48:45
Joe Backer
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Joined: July 10, 2011
 You may want to look on hifishark to see if there's a used NAD M10 close to your budget.

 

RE: Looking into all in one streamer amp, posted on October 4, 2020 at 05:08:28
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2378
Joined: September 27, 2004
 Yes, I was about to suggest something from NAD if you're prepared to buy used.

The M10 is still a very popular unit so used ones may be in short supply, but grab one if you can. It has built-in streamer and Dirac Live.

The excellent M32 is now (just) discontinued and its replacement is hitting shops right now so used M32s may be available a good prices. I've been using mine for 3 years and it's a great bit of kit, but worth well more than your budget - but you make strike lucky. Also discontinued is the C309DD - both these need the BluOS module to allow streaming but many used ones will have this already

Or from the current range there's the C368 and C388, again both need the BluOS module and (being current models) may be disproportionately costly.

I don't know the cost of these non-Master series NADs, either new or used, but if you can get either of the M series (M10 or M32) within or a bit above your budget, you'll be much better off than the Sonos.

 

RE: Looking into all in one streamer amp, posted on September 28, 2020 at 07:26:16
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 The Sonos Amp would be a fine choice. I'd consider the Bluesound Power Node 2i as well.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: Looking into all in one streamer amp, posted on September 28, 2020 at 08:14:35
bullethead
 yes thank you, I see there's a Powernode with HDMI as well. I didn't know about that. Not to mention the addition of high res support (I'm thinking Amazon HD will be great since their app for that works properly).

 

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