mokeboi

Ajax Thanks for the info on the Auralic Mini, I don't think I've come across this one before! I will def have to look into it more.

Sigh- If only. If only I could be locked in a soundproof room with all the different products at my disposal to listen to. Oh well. I also try not to pay too much attention to professional reviewers, thats why I turned here. By the way, how do you like the Teac? I saw a used UD-501 for a decent price. At this point I'm thinking of just getting an all in one streamer/ amp, as I really don't have the space for a full rack system. Then later down the road I can get a different setup. After all, money is meant to be burned right? Ha, ha.

Thats surprising as others hold Denon CD players in high regard. I've never heard any of them before, haven't owned a CD player for a while. Mostly use my blu-ray player if i need to, otherwise burn it to the computer.

I'm sorry, I thought you said Denons sound that way. As I stated, I can't comment on that since I've only owned one Denon and have not heard others with the same set up I had to compare it with. I think hearing a system in a store will give very different results from hearing it in your own home with your own speakers. Don't you think?

I think most amplifiers have some sort of "source direct" or "direct sound" mode that is supposed to bypass all tone controls and any other sound processing/enhancing that the amp would otherwise do. Thats what I like to use most of the time as it will let the original music be heard as it should be. As for the Denons sounding "rolled-off and "lacking in dynamics, I can't really comment as I've only owned one before. Could be due to the speakers? The system I owned was very revealing and life-like, so If I can get a better sound than that, I'll be very happy.

Thats awesome that you know someone like that on the "inside" that most likely gives you a wealth of information. Thanks for sharing with us! Maybe an introduction could happen and he'd let me borrow an amp or two? Ha! I have been eying some upper class amplifiers including this one and just wanna say f-it and buy one. But I'm tying to restrain myself and keep it under ¥100,000 for now. If the HD-AMP1 had airplay included it would be hard to pass up! What do you think of Denon amplifiers? As I understand it Denon and Marantz are the same company, products must share some similarities no? Thanks again!

Stumbled upon the Marantz CR611 at a Bic Camera shop that was connected to some B&W speakers. I like the unit overall, but don't care for the CD player. Can't help but think that f they omitted the CD player they could of improved other areas or added an async USB. Wonder why I can't find the CR511 in Japan? The price of the Denon has come down recently to ¥83,00 or something, so makes it even more appealing. Maybe something new coming?? Did you end up getting the Marantz, how do you like it? Are you from/ in Japan? I see your name and posts of Japanese products.

I Think I've passed by the Lumin once before, a nice unit. I like the Denon DRA-100 better for the price though. Thanks!

I figured I should concentrate on the amplifier as they tend to last longer than DACs and what not. I am thinking of getting a quality used amplifier and maybe a network streamer with a DAC. As for the amp matching a speaker, unless they are purposely built for each other (which may be more marketing than anything), I don't think it really makes much of a difference. I've listened to many different amp/ speaker combos, sometimes a-b them at the same time and never heard much difference, besides tone (due to settings on amps), and loudness (due to power). I do see people saying that one amp/ speaker sounds better with another, so the each his own. Thanks

Thanks! I try not to read up too much on arguments whether one thing is better/ right than the other, its a long dark journey. Ha, ha. But thats why I'm thinking I should get separate components, since technology moves so fast, the better thing could be out tomorrow.

This will be my first bonafide high end system. As I told @Beerandmusic I had a Denon avr with some awesome sounding B&W 683's prior to moving. While researching a new system I began learning that in order to make the most of my digital music files I need a way to properly process them. So I have the music, computer, some speakers (a pair of B&W M1's that will most likely be replaced soon after I get an amp), just need an amplifier/ DAC.

Thanks for the suggestion! I had a Denon AVR 3something similar to the Marantz prior to moving and loved the sound it gave me. Would like to do a surround system too, but don't have the room for it right now so want to keep it small and stereo.

Hi all, I have been trying to research for the best system for me right now. All thats happening really is I'm getting confused and dazed. What I'm looking for here is some opinions, suggestions and/or insight to my dilemma. -My ultimate goal is to play "high-res" files from my computer. Initially I though all I'd need is an amplifier with USB-B connectivity. But.... -Need AIRPlay, for the wife -Would like to have internet radio capabilities, I know computer can do this, not necessary -Would like an all in one system, but finding out that is near impossible The only all in one I can find is the NAD D7050, but not available where I am (Japan). I have been eying the Denon DRA100, but it doesn't have an async USB port. Does it matter if the unit will stream "high-res"? Then I got to thinking, maybe an all in one won't give me the best quality amplifier/dac, or future upgradability than if I were to get separate components. Although this will not likely be the last system I will buy. Right now space is a premium for me. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!