Happy 2022. 2021 involved a lot of loss for me, including the passing in December of my mother. It's time for renewal and change.
Please AC community provide input for new system components. I am doing a complete system overall except speakers and wires. So, for the first time in years I’m “WIDE OPEN” to suggestions for new source/server, dac, pre-amp and amp.
CURRENT SYSTEM
Exogal Comet (dac/pre) feeding an Exogal Ion (amp) BOTH being sold now.
Hawthorne Trio SSI with built-in plate amplifiers and sub-woofers. Love these; will KEEP in system.
Source = Mac Mini OX S El Capitan 10.11.6 with Audirvana 3.5. I have an Auralic Airies w/Femto available, just haven’t had time to install/learn.
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Essential. The Comet has dual outputs (XLR and RCA). The XLR feeds the Hawthorne's mid/tweeter; the RCA feeds the Hawthorne's plate amps and subs. So, I need to replicate having dual outputs.
2. Hawthorne’s are 97db efficient, so almost ANY amplification will drive them.
3. BUDGET. I’d prefer to cap at $5000 all in, but will stretch to $8000 if needed. Happy to buy used gear.
4. I mostly listen to downloaded vinyl rips at 24/96. Not streaming, but willing to do so.
5. I may consider a much lower price point "good enough for now" and great for future office system, but prefer to just "go for it, now!"
Again, I’m wide open to an all-in-one, separates, etc. My thinking has been a server + dac/pre + amplifier might simplify and bypass the need for a separate pre. PLEASE offer some suggestions. THANK YOU
Mods, please move if this is posted in the wrong space or I can re-post as you suggest. Thanks.