What is the best digital solution for $3K for a guy who only knows to press Play or Stop?

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caesar

Well-Known Member

May 30, 2010

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• May 28, 2017

• #1

My buddy is looking to get into digital for his 2nd system. He told me he just wants to sit in his hot tub after a long day at his company and press play (after initial setup).

My suggestion to him was to get a cheap naim or aurender, with naim having better bass kicking (and he's a rocker), and aurender sounding a bit more refined. If he goes with aurender, if there is a cheap one enough, he will need a "cheap" dac to stay in his budget.

Any thoughts on the best approach? Any recommended solutions and products?

Thank you

 

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stevebythebay

Well-Known Member

Oct 21, 2012

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• May 28, 2017

• #2

Sonos: the perfect KISS solution.

 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member

Apr 20, 2010

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Manila, Philippines

• May 28, 2017

• #3

His Laptop add Roon with Tidal, LH Labs Geek Out 2, waterproof smartphone for remote if his phone isn't an Edge or iPhone 7 already , less than 2k.

 

Elberoth

Member Sponsor

Dec 15, 2012

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• May 28, 2017

• #4

The Aurender has an 'integrated' (transport and a DAC) unit now - it is called Aurender A10.

But if he is a recker, he may be better off with the cheapest Linn model - Majik DS.

 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor

Jul 8, 2011

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almaaudio.com

• May 28, 2017

• #5

Bit more information on that 2nd system... What does he have already? Amps, speakers, preamp, etc.? What is he looking to get?

Adam's Linn suggestion was good, and they even make a model with a built-in amp, so truly all-in-one, just add speakers.

The Aurender is a bit more expensive ($5.5 vs $3k), but it has storage and it does MQA.

 

wisnon

Well-Known Member

Dec 12, 2011

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• May 29, 2017

• #6

www.thememoryplayer.net

$3.5K for the top Memory Player MINI.
http://www.stereotimes.com/post/laufer-teknik-memory-player-mini/

 

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Audiophile Bill

Well-Known Member

Mar 23, 2015

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• May 29, 2017

• #7

Elberoth said:

The Aurender has an 'integrated' (transport and a DAC) unit now - it is called Aurender A10.

But if he is a recker, he may be better off with the cheapest Linn model - Majik DS.

Click to expand...

I am with you also. Just press play.

 

DaveC

Industry Expert

Nov 16, 2014

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• May 29, 2017

• #8

For that price the Sony HAP-Z1ES is unbeatable in terms of ease of use and sound quality.