Shooting the Moon???? (Thoughts on this Streamer)
tophatjohnny
Posts: 4,182
On a slow but sure journey and am checking out a lot of different options as an upgrade from the Cambridge 851N stand alone unit as that's what I want (a stand alone) and the purchase of the Cambridge Edge NQ was not justifiable for what I was after so still on the hunt. This one looks pretty nice?? Say you?????
https://simaudio.com/en/product/390-network-player-preamplifier
any other suggestions will be welcome.
What I'm after is a player that will sound a lot better when playing files from my NAS. The other bells and whistles are secondary. Hope that helps.
https://simaudio.com/en/product/390-network-player-preamplifier
any other suggestions will be welcome.
What I'm after is a player that will sound a lot better when playing files from my NAS. The other bells and whistles are secondary. Hope that helps.
"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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Post edited by tophatjohnny on
Comments
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Following this thread Johnny! Very interested. Fellow Polkies please opine!
Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
I like it.
I too am starting my research. I like the Auralic streamers and the G1 Vega gets my juices flowing.
$4k -
Took a pic of the guts at Axpona
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Yes ..in another 5 years the industry will probably making all of these choices old news . I'm just wanting the one box answer and from all I've seen under or around 5K the Moon 390 looks like it me be the one. Just wish I could have one here to A B against the 851N so to get a real test done. That will take just ordering one and doing just that.
Boy was I slow to get my 851N. This deal will probably be even slower. 😂😂"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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Get one of these and let me know if it's any good http://www.cocktailaudio.com/home/sub01_09.php
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^^^^
LOL what Bruce said I like the fact you can put a SSD drive inside of it like my MINI and its a ripper too. 2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
Everything I have heard about the Cocktail stuff is “jack of all trades- master of none”
The features they offer are fantastic. I think it’s at the sacrifice of audio quality.
The Moon looks pretty stellar.
Wasn’t PS A supposed to release a new streamer based on the SGC tech sometime this year? -
I really don't know how one can keep up with the latest stuff unless one has deep pockets. This convo is waay out of my league but I read and have listened to some of this stuff when I can. That Moon 390 has come up in several convos and reviewers around the net. However, I just don't know how one goes about dropping $5K on a streamer unless one can spend time auditioning others in their own or the same system.tophatjohnny wrote: »Yes ..in another 5 years the industry will probably making all of these choices old news . I'm just wanting the one box answer and from all I've seen under or around 5K the Moon 390 looks like it me be the one. Just wish I could have one here to A B against the 851N so to get a real test done. That will take just ordering one and doing just that. Boy was I slow to get my 851N. This deal will probably be even slower. 😂😂
To make matters worst cool new stuff keeps popping up like the ELAC Alchemy DDP Pre, DAC, streaming end-point that's getting good feedback. One guy even said he replaced a $12K front and lost nothing in performance.
https://www.elac.com/product/ddp-2-preamplifier-dac-streamer/?r=us
https://www.stereophile.com/content/mighty-impressive-sound-elac
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/anyone-have-experience-with-the-new-elac-ddp-2
https://alchemyelacforum.com/forums/topic/the-alchemy-ddp-2-dac-preamplifier-streamer/
One has to wonder what their own point of diminishing returns is. I used to have a great set of ears. However at age 53, years of playing drums, listening to loud music, something like the ELAC might be a good value. My ears are not what they used to be and even if I had deep pockets I know a $5K DAC or streamer would be the limit unless I could control the room...aka dedicated and built for sound.
Then as Skip said, the DAC world is crazy! So many implementations out there. Maybe keep your streamer and get a DAC? Again, how does one go out and select a $5K DAC? Would need to listen side by side. I think the only way is to narrow it down to 2-3 as there is no way to listen to everything out there. I don't think I'll be in the $5K new DAC market anytime soon but that PS Audio DirectStream with or without the Network Bridge is intriguing. I really loved the sound of the Emerald Physics room at AXPONA back in '14. I really wondered how much the $6K DirectStream had to do with what I was hearing? The rest of the system was only about $6K! https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2014/05/03/axpona-2014-emerald-physics-and-ps-audio-dazzles/
Also, the Benchmark DAC3 and/or the Mytek Digital products would be my top three to listen to. Still, how does one get the three into the same room?
https://mytekdigital.com/hifi/
https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-dac3-hgc-digital-to-analog-audio-converter
I've read mixed reviews about the previous gen units, but I think they offer some cool products. Its a good thing I'm poor or I would have purchased one of the earlier models sight unseen back in '14-'15. Johnny's post from back then: https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/comment/2105993#Comment_2105993afterburnt wrote: »Get one of these and let me know if it's any good http://www.cocktailaudio.com/home/sub01_09.php
2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2 -
I really don't know how one can keep up with the latest stuff unless one has deep pockets. This convo is waay out of my league but I read and have listened to some of this stuff when I can. That Moon 390 has come up in several convos and reviewers around the net. However, I just don't know how one goes about dropping $5K on a streamer unless one can spend time auditioning others in their own or the same system.tophatjohnny wrote: »Yes ..in another 5 years the industry will probably making all of these choices old news . I'm just wanting the one box answer and from all I've seen under or around 5K the Moon 390 looks like it me be the one. Just wish I could have one here to A B against the 851N so to get a real test done. That will take just ordering one and doing just that. Boy was I slow to get my 851N. This deal will probably be even slower. 😂😂
To make matters worst cool new stuff keeps popping up like the ELAC Alchemy DDP Pre, DAC, streaming end-point that's getting good feedback. One guy even said he replaced a $12K front and lost nothing in performance.
https://www.elac.com/product/ddp-2-preamplifier-dac-streamer/?r=us
https://www.stereophile.com/content/mighty-impressive-sound-elac
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/anyone-have-experience-with-the-new-elac-ddp-2
https://alchemyelacforum.com/forums/topic/the-alchemy-ddp-2-dac-preamplifier-streamer/
One has to wonder what their own point of diminishing returns is. I used to have a great set of ears. However at age 53, years of playing drums, listening to loud music, something like the ELAC might be a good value. My ears are not what they used to be and even if I had deep pockets I know a $5K DAC or streamer would be the limit unless I could control the room...aka dedicated and built for sound.
Then as Skip said, the DAC world is crazy! So many implementations out there. Maybe keep your streamer and get a DAC? Again, how does one go out and select a $5K DAC? Would need to listen side by side. I think the only way is to narrow it down to 2-3 as there is no way to listen to everything out there. I don't think I'll be in the $5K new DAC market anytime soon but that PS Audio DirectStream with or without the Network Bridge is intriguing. I really loved the sound of the Emerald Physics room at AXPONA back in '14. I really wondered how much the $6K DirectStream had to do with what I was hearing? The rest of the system was only about $6K! https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2014/05/03/axpona-2014-emerald-physics-and-ps-audio-dazzles/
Also, the Benchmark DAC3 and/or the Mytek Digital products would be my top three to listen to. Still, how does one get the three into the same room?
https://mytekdigital.com/hifi/
https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-dac3-hgc-digital-to-analog-audio-converter
I've read mixed reviews about the previous gen units, but I think they offer some cool products. Its a good thing I'm poor or I would have purchased one of the earlier models sight unseen back in '14-'15. Johnny's post from back then: https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/comment/2105993#Comment_2105993afterburnt wrote: »Get one of these and let me know if it's any good http://www.cocktailaudio.com/home/sub01_09.php
Yes yes..back when the Stream Magic 6 was my baby and 2500 albums on a regular external hard drive...now with 27K albums on my NAS and the search for a noticeable improvement in sound from my 851N to make the listening experience even more enjoyable...Im in for either it will happen or it won't. I.dont want more than one unit like I have now.
Like mentioned.. I may just have to order the 390 on a in.home trial basis and A B it with my 851N and I will ask another polk member who lives close by and has a great eat to assist and get his opinion as well.
Insane?? You bet. The things we do for love...love of the music. ."if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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27K albums still just blows my mind! I would love to see your jazz list.
That Moon will either wake up your system up or not.
NAS for audiophiles...
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/hificritic/vol5_no3/listening_to_storage.htm
https://www.audiostream.com/content/tips-setting-audiophile-nas-system-aurender-john-paul-lizars
https://nascompares.com/best-nas-for-music-lovers-to-buy-of-2018/
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/35010-nas-drive-confiquration-for-best-sound/
The comments section surprisingly is actually interesting...
https://youtu.be/vsaSfLrSg_A
2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2 -
I'm on it!! And Thank You!!!!!!!!"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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joecoulson wrote: »Everything I have heard about the Cocktail stuff is “jack of all trades- master of none”
The features they offer are fantastic. I think it’s at the sacrifice of audio quality.
The Moon looks pretty stellar.
Wasn’t PS A supposed to release a new streamer based on the SGC tech sometime this year?
https://youtu.be/I6QR8Ibx4Ws
Hans seems to like it
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Thanks WLDock as The Alchemy DDP-2 DAC / Preamplifier / Streamer is looking like a winner and none of the features I could care less about, making this the one I just placed an order on. James Clark form Jim Clark Stereo was kind enough to spend a lot of time this morning explaining the differences between a lot of the all in one options out there and with many of them like the Cocktail mentioned above, I don't need or want all of those features as they do not benefit me. I have my method for ripping which is quite efficient, don't like internet radio at all, don't care if the artwork is displayed in the front of my player or not, so this looks like my answer. I will know soon as it's ordered and not too far away.
Thanks WLDock, I think you nailed it down!!"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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Moon is nice stuff. I have a local dealer for Sim Audio and heard their stuff at an event a couple years ago.Just a dude doing dude-ly things
"Temptation is the manifestation of desire which equals necessity." - Mikey081057
" I have always had a champange taste with a beer budget" - Rick88
"Just because the thread is getting views don't mean much .. I like a good train wreck doesn't mean i want to be in one..." - pitdogg2
"Those that don't know, don't know that they don't know." - heiney9
"Audiophiles are the male equivalent of cat ladies." - Audiokarma Member -
Did anyone else watch that vid that @afterburnt posted?
I have not heard these units, only what my local friends in audio (who have heard them) say
Have you heard it @afterburnt ? if so, what are your thoughts?
I'm not sure anyone on here as posted any feedback on any Cocktail audio products? -
Agree -I even think Hans eluded to that also
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@joecoulson I have not heard their stuff but the "Swiss Army Knife" aspect would simplify what I do now.
@DSkip do you think their software is as bad as Marantz? That would be deal breaker. -
Johnny boy, you are out of your mind brother.Home Theater/2 Channel:
Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer
dhsspeakerservice.com/ -
Ok I will, but I don't trust audio reviews on Amazon. Hell I post audio reviews there under the pseudonym "Hellen Keller".
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Heos is not slick like the Cambridge stuff, it works though.
I have been reading about the cocktail being very inconsistent
if its a Swiss army knife, there is a likely-hood that we would use it for more than one job and if that's all hinged on a glitchy control interface, that would not be good. It's a shame because there really are not any other decent options for a stand alone ripper other than Node. I want to like their stuff, I just can't. -
Stand alone ripper?? Not. I have 8 individual disk readers in.actiin every Monday morning when I get to.rippung. I would destroy any stand alone ripping product quickly."if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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westmassguy wrote: »Johnny boy, you are out of your mind brother.
Indeed"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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tophatjohnny wrote: »Stand alone ripper?? Not. I have 8 individual disk readers in.actiin every Monday morning when I get to.rippung. I would destroy any stand alone ripping product quickly.
You still rip CD's? -
@DSkip Dewd I found zero reviews on the x45 on Amazon, what gives?
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afterburnt wrote: »tophatjohnny wrote: »Stand alone ripper?? Not. I have 8 individual disk readers in.actiin every Monday morning when I get to.rippung. I would destroy any stand alone ripping product quickly.
You still rip CD's?
You pay to listen to other people's ripped CDs?"if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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tophatjohnny wrote: »afterburnt wrote: »tophatjohnny wrote: »Stand alone ripper?? Not. I have 8 individual disk readers in.actiin every Monday morning when I get to.rippung. I would destroy any stand alone ripping product quickly.
You still rip CD's?
You pay to listen to other people's ripped CDs?
Huh what how? I was asking because you have 25k of them already. I don't think that I could find anymore that I wanted. -
tophatjohnny wrote: »Stand alone ripper?? Not. I have 8 individual disk readers in.actiin every Monday morning when I get to.rippung. I would destroy any stand alone ripping product quickly.
Was talking about me with much much less discs than you. -
afterburnt wrote: »tophatjohnny wrote: »afterburnt wrote: »tophatjohnny wrote: »Stand alone ripper?? Not. I have 8 individual disk readers in.actiin every Monday morning when I get to.rippung. I would destroy any stand alone ripping product quickly.
You still rip CD's?
You pay to listen to other people's ripped CDs?
Huh what how? I was asking because you have 25k of them already. I don't think that I could find anymore that I wanted.
For another thread but it never ends once I get going and one group leads to another and then there's the "OH I forgot all about them" moments and it never ends. I was guess you, like a lot of members here are content with Tidal and pay stations and I do see that as a good thing for them. I just like so many genres and love learning of new music it makes the hobby a lot of fun for me and I have not even come to the halfway full mark on my NAS so growing it all the time."if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
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tophatjohnny wrote: »afterburnt wrote: »tophatjohnny wrote: »afterburnt wrote: »tophatjohnny wrote: »Stand alone ripper?? Not. I have 8 individual disk readers in.actiin every Monday morning when I get to.rippung. I would destroy any stand alone ripping product quickly.
You still rip CD's?
You pay to listen to other people's ripped CDs?
Huh what how? I was asking because you have 25k of them already. I don't think that I could find anymore that I wanted.
For another thread but it never ends once I get going and one group leads to another and then there's the "OH I forgot all about them" moments and it never ends. I was guess you, like a lot of members here are content with Tidal and pay stations and I do see that as a good thing for them. I just like so many genres and love learning of new music it makes the hobby a lot of fun for me and I have not even come to the halfway full mark on my NAS so growing it all the time.
@tophatjohnny oh now it makes sense. I don't have any streaming services but I do have enough music lol. I am trying to kick the habit and be content looking at my amazon cart without buying anything else. I go on eBay instead lol.
