I put together a 2nd system in my basement from equipment I mostly already had- the only piece I added was a DAC to bypass the internal DAC in my Bluesound Node. I already knew the Node’s DAC was the limiting factor as previously I used the Node in my primary system, connected to a Bricasti DAC. This is a very pleasing system and demonstrates that a very good system based on a streamed music source can be built for around $2,000. And I figured I might as well hook up my Marantz tuner rather than have it sit in a box in a closet.
Cables are modest- Neotech interconnects and Canare speaker cable.
Maybe one day I’ll add a turntable to this system- If I do, I’m inclined to try a direct drive table, as I’ve never owned one and I already own a belt drive table (LP12) and a hybrid idler/belt drive table (TD124).
My two systems are very different from each other (except both have nice vintage tuners) and yet both are highly satisfying and serve their purposes perfectly. This system is so effective and enjoyable that this system would well satisfy me if it was my sole system.
A stellar vintage piece, successor to the mighty 10b. I love this tuner and the oscilloscope is an excellent tuning aid. The Model 20 compares nicely to my other tuner, a McIntosh MR78; the tone definitely is different but both are superb. I'd call the Marantz more "old school" in its sonic quality while the McIntosh is of a newer, more accurate, generation. Both are a joy to listen to.
NAD 316BEE V2 integrated amplifier
Nice little integrated amp, driving a system I have in my basement. It has more than enough power for this system and it is evident that the designer cared to preserve musical integrity.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 speakers
These are excellent lower priced bookshelf speakers that are mounted on Monoprice steel column speaker stands. These speakers are connected to my NAD integrated amp with bi-wire Canare 4S11 speaker cables.
Bluesound Node N130 streamer
My first streamer, originally used in my primary system. Now used as a transport only, driving a separate DAC. There are better streamers but the Node is never less than very good. I am a huge fan of streaming for exploring and discovering new music, and in this system, it is the primary source of music.
Schiit Audio Mimir DAC
The only new product I bought to create this system. Using the Bluesound Node as a streamer/DAC, I found it somewhat dark or constricted, and sought to inject some extra life and openness into my streaming experience. The Mimir does that well and is a very nice DAC. It has superior resolution to the DAC in the Node and I view this $299 DAC as an excellent way to inject new vitality into a system that relies on an older and somewhat out of date DAC.
Nice simple system they way it should be. I think too many of us go way overboard on the number of components and budgets. A simple, relatively inexpensive system can be very satisfying as you and many others prove.
