Want to build a new FLAC based system around a NAS network drive

Psilonaught

Wammer
Wammer
Aug 16, 2007
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Saffron Walden
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James
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Hi,

I have decided to re-enter the audio fray after about a 1 year absence (well using a cheap kitchen audio setup). I recently setup a pair of very expensive monoblocks to the little Q Acoustic 2020i's that I have wall mounted in my kitchen, within a good audio listening triangle where I can sit between the speakers, and being driven by a squeezebox which was being used as a preamp. The resulting sound was very surprising, hence why I have decided to get back into the game!

I have been looking at the Wadia 151 and Nuforce dda-100 and they seem very interesting, but should I consider anything else?

My source will be a squeezebox. I would like to keep the SB as it can be controlled from my phone, connects drive to my NAS network, and I can listen to radio 6 on it

And then I just need speakers really. I want something with ultra resolution and holographic imagery, and they must be ok wall mounted, that is my only option?

Budget around £1000 for amp/dac, and another £1000 for speakers.

Cheers and happy xmas Wammers !

 

Marvt74

Wammer
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Feb 13, 2010
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Higher Walton
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Martyn
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A bit left field but something like the Elac Active Monitors fed direct from the squeezebox could work?

 

Psilonaught

Wammer
Wammer
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Saffron Walden
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James
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A bit left field but something like the Elac Active Monitors fed direct from the squeezebox could work?
Hi

Wouldn't I need a preamp for that though? The SB isn't supposed to be used as one, the quality degrades as you lower the volume

 

vacdac

Wammer
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Jul 19, 2011
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Chris
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Adam A7X ltd edition in sexxxeh piano gloss finish are available @ around £820 same sound as the standard A7X. With the SACD capable wideband A.R.T. ribbon tweeter they would meet your brief of holographic imaging/detail that is not at all ragged. I have F5's in my second system & the larger F7 as my centre channel/dedicated mono speaker in my main setup. The F series are not far off the A series in outright SQ capabilities & could be considered as a kerrching alternative that would also leave plenty in the pot for a whole hunk of nooo toooonage:cool: :stereo: or a subwoofer even if needed/wanted:dunno: :rockin: . All of the Adams have wall mount inserts & all are front ported. The F series also feature a standby feature/auto input sensor so have good greeno credentials......I use this feature with my TEAC ref 300iii DAB/FM tuner as an alarm clock to wake up to 6 Mooozic.

Piccies of A7X & F7 in that order.

102554_p.jpg
96249_p.jpg


I use an Audio-gd NFB 12.1 DAC/Pre/Can amp in my second system with the F5's & it really is pretty good.....with a higher budget their more recent/upmarket offerings look good. A viable alternative would be a C.A. SM6 streamer which has Pre-amp functionality & works a treat with my Syno DS213 NAS. you could mebbe find a use elsewhere in the house for the SBT or move it on easily enough. The C.A. SM6 has a v capable onboard DAC & sounds a treat either streaming from my NAS or listening to internet radio as well as doing DAC honours for other sources.

I believe the digital vol. implementation is properly 'dithered' & doesn't lose 'bits' as it is attenuated.

 

iquadius

Wammer
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Jul 13, 2011
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Bangor NI
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Mike
My source will be a squeezebox.
:^ .... excellent choice (receiver?) .... it will give you a surprisingly good 'digital' out for a dac .... with bags of potential if you are soldering proficient. Mike

 

Psilonaught

Wammer
Wammer
Aug 16, 2007
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James
HiFi Trade?
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thanks for the suggestions, I hadn't considered active speakers and its interesting that two folks have suggested them...hmmm.

 

dudywoxer

Looking for a bigger stirring stick
Wammer
Jul 19, 2005
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sunny scunny
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colin
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Have a word with Sam, or if you must, Paul at purite north about the Dr Dac Prime, and the Esi actives, sounded really good when I heard them. I'm not sure about wall mounting them though.

 

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