0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 1037 times.
I also appreciate if somebody could tell me if this system is outdated or which devices should be replaced if are not good enough for a newbie audiophile or too outdated without spending too much. Thank you for your time!
I like Frank Van Alstine's answer to this question from his old newsletter:"When you visit a friend's house, is their system usually on or off? If the system is on, it is probably good enough. If it is usually off, it probably isn't." Don't fall into the "There's something wrong with my system" trap too quickly. There's something wrong with every system- even nosebleed-priced systems.
Loudspeakers are a personal choice and should also be matched to the room. They make the biggest difference in any system. The second biggest sound factor is the listening environment as I already mentioned. Emotiva is a hit or miss company. High marks for value, but low marks for reliability and sound quality. Had one of their DC-1 DAC/preamps and liked it, although it's sound was dynamic it also wasn't very musical. If you've survived the first year of ownership reliability shouldn't be a huge concern. Onkyo/Keces are pretty dated, but could still be viable. You could replace them and the i-Nano with a NAD Node-2i ($550 streamer, DAC, preamp) and a streaming subscription to Tidal or Quboz ($20/month) and gain access to millions of CD quality albums.
Slow down and do your homework first. I just threw out one option (the Node 2i). I own the M10, a big brother of the Node but includes power amp and it cost 5 times as much. If you have qualms about the Node 2i, move up to the C658 at 3 times the price. The advantage of any of these is that they greatly simplify digital streaming. Any of them represent good value and accept analog input.
First, what is your plan (a whole new system or just parts)? Why do you "need" an analog source? (I gave up on analog 35 years ago and my system consists of one box plus loudspeakers/subwoofers.)
Second, what is your budget (for a complete system, so we can gauge what products to point you towards)?
Third, what is your listening environment like (dimensions, insulated, finishes, furnishings, shared/not) and how dedicated are you to listening? Is this a passing fad or a life long love? Are you trying to decorate a nice room or living in your mother's basement? Sorry but we don't know you.
Fourth, you mention having recently bought Hifiman Sundara headphones. I did headphones back in the 70's, but have rarely used them since. From what I quickly read they seem like good performing and relatively easy to drive, however have reliability questions. But how much do you plan on using them versus inform listening?
Fifth, and most importantly what exactly are you trying to accomplish by all this? You started out stating you wanted to buy/build some gear, but why? Are you itching to simply collect impressive toys, which frankly is a high priority among many audiophiles?
I've tried to not push you into any particular direction as there are so many options. RME ADI-2 is a nice piece with extra features, derived from pro gear but only has USB, coax, and optical digital inputs. Topping D90 is a top performing and more affordable but also only offers digital inputs. You could plug in a computer or server (USB), TV (optical), and your Onkyo CDP (coax). Either would be wonderful, but you'd need preamp (with built-in or separate phono preamp) to accommodate a turntable. Power amps should be bought simply to serve chosen loudspeakers, so shop loudspeakers first.
You should have an overall budget in mind versus the same number per component. For instance, if you go with active loudspeakers you wouldn't need to purchase a power amp, so the loudspeaker budget could double. Same with a DAC/preamp.
I'd recommend looking at a Benchmark DAC3 (well built/rated DAC/preamp from a very good company, $2200, includes headphone jacks and analog inputs, balanced and single ended outputs).
I'd also suggest looking into active loudspeakers. For your described room you wouldn't need big loudspeakers, perhaps something like Neumann KH120 (2-way compact monitors, again well built/rated from a very good company, $1400/pair, can be used on desk or in-room).
