What Streamer On a Limited Budget

[aplx]

I am looking for some advice on which DSM to consider with budget of only $3-5k? As I have been researching reasonably priced upgrade paths things get a little murky since my system currently pulls double duty in both 2 channel audio and 7.1 for movies. I have a pair of Majik 4100s and the associated Majik 140 aktiv cards on order to take the amplification away from the Marantz. Ultimately I would like to move to a full Linn system but that will take several years to build give other budgetary considerations. Would love to hear recommendations from the group.

Music Source: Roon/Qobuz
Marantz AV Receiver: 6015
Speakers: Majik 140

 

[quinn_t]

If I am on a budget, I would go for this non-linn streamer, it is a smashing streamer for a little money.

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-stream/
Or with a little more money, this one:

https://store.roonlabs.com/products/signature-rendu-se/
Strictly speaking, these are just streamers, not the streamer + DAC as the linn network music server.

 

[StingRay]

You can't get a Linn streamer for $5k?

plenty of decent new streamers around for about US$2-3k, maybe you should ask on the main WAM forum, you will probably get more replies there.

 

[aplx]

You can't get a Linn streamer for $5k?

plenty of decent new streamers around for about US$2-3k, maybe you should ask on the main WAM forum, you will probably get more replies there.

I was specifically looking for feedback on the Linn options, I likely used the wrong terminology in my question. I ended up with a Majik DSM/3 that was a demo unit.

 

[wildwildWes]

Please let us know what you think of it in this thread!

 

[Moomintroll]

Ultimately I would like to move to a full Linn system but that will take several years to build give other budgetary considerations.

I was puzzled by what you meant here. Aren’t you almost there, with Majik 140s, now the MDSM/3 (great choice BTW) and Majik power amps and aktiv cards on order? Or do you intend to go further?

My son’s brother-in-law started with the MDSM/3 and 140s, then added an Exaktbox-I to go Exakt Aktiv. Great system.

’troll

 

[akamatsu]

I was specifically looking for feedback on the Linn options, I likely used the wrong terminology in my question. I ended up with a Majik DSM/3 that was a demo unit.

Excellent choice! This would've been my recommendation. I recently had the opportunity to set up a Majik DSM/3, PSB stand mount speaker system. I did so with precision, applied SO, and listened. WOW! Very musical. I could live with that system and a Qobuz subscription. See my signature for what I normally listen to. Says a lot about the Majik DSM/3.

 

[aplx]

I was puzzled by what you meant here. Aren’t you almost there, with Majik 140s, now the MDSM/3 (great choice BTW) and Majik power amps and aktiv cards on order? Or do you intend to go further?

My son’s brother-in-law started with the MDSM/3 and 140s, then added an Exaktbox-I to go Exakt Aktiv. Great system.

’troll

I was thinking of eventual moving to full Linn 7.1. For now the Marantz will handle 7.1 signal and amplification of everything but main right/left channels.

 

[hodge555]

Regarding multi-channel unfortunately the Linn surround module isn't supported on the Majik.
Had you picked up an Akurate DSM (or Klimax DSM) then you could get a surround module fitted and then get an Exaktbox-i (or Exaktbox + power amps) and you'd be good to go for multi-channel.
This wouldn't fit your current budget however.

 

[Jail4CEOs2]

An MDSM was a good move. Then an Exaktbox-i to feed your 140's. Get an ADSH or KDSH with the surround module, THEN use that Exaktbox-i's outs to drive each of the 5.1/7.1 speakers individually using passive amps once that gets corralled. For voice matching get 109's and another Exaktbox-i to drive the rears. The pain will be the Majik 112 center channel, and yet another Exaktbox-i! Then an Akurate Exakt Sub box for your Majik 126.

If on a budget you could probably do a fairly well matched surround system with the Komponent series speakers that also have a 2K plus the 140's.

 

[hodge555]

I'm not sure you would need quite so many Exaktbok's as suggested by @Jail4CEOs2
Your 140's are aktiv powered through your 4100's hence you only need 1 channel to each speaker.
You'd similarly only need 1 channel for each of the remaining speakers, making 8 in total for 7.1.
The Exaktbox-i is 8 channels so 2 signals for the 140's via 4100's, a signal cable to the sub and then a powered +/- speaker cable passive to your remaining 5 speakers.
I'd personally not bother going aktiv on the rear/side speakers but you could do the 112 centre in which case you could get a 3100 and aktiv cards for that speaker as it's 3 way.

 

[aplx]

After spending a couple of weeks with the Majik DSM/3 I can say it sounds great, and is very functional. That said, I came across a pre-owned Selekt DSM w/Katalyst and decided to pick it up. The Selekt arrived today, but I have not had time to truly compare them.

For anyone considering the Majik, its a great piece of kit and sounded fantastic in my setup.

 

[Jail4CEOs2]

I'll be curious your comparison.

 

[aplx]

@Jail4CEOs2 Overall I'd say the Selekt with katalyst sounds fantastic. As for the differences, that is a little harder to put into words. The best way I can describe it is the lowering of the noise floor. This change seems to allow for more detail in the music.

 

[CounterTenor]

The Silent Angel M1, couple with the F1 power supply and N8 make together a magnificent streaming combo: much better sounding than a Majik DS player, and very close to an Akurate DS player in terms of sound quality.