Help please with choosing a new streamer/dac/amp system

[itskeith]

Hi Everyone,

My days of MC’s, valve amps and full range drivers are long gone as now I’d much rather be streaming!

I’m looking for some help / advice with choosing a new system as my knowledge of digital is very limited / non-existent.

Here’s the brief;
- Looking for a one box (preferably) streamer / dac / amp
- Budget £250-£500 (second-hand is fine, obviously not into high end anymore).
- Source will be Quobuz
- Speakers will be Q-Acoustic Bookstands (white apparently!)
Not decided yet but likely to be either Concept 20’s, 30’s, 3020C or 3030C etc.

Shortlist so far:
- Topping DX3 Pro+ / PA3s
(have a cheaper Topping which has worked well before and great vfm).
- Quad Vena II Play

All ideas and suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers.
Keith

[Alex_UK]

No experience of them myself, but read a lot of good things about the Wiim range - they have various options including the Amp Pro at around £400 which looks good. They are stocked by Richer Sounds so if you have one nearby you could have a listen and see what other options there are.

[Lawrence001]

Funnily enough I was thinking the other day about selling a small form factor streaming system I put together a few years ago when I thought I would be going to the Wam show on the train. It includes a Vortex box streamer/CD ripper, an LM3886 based Gainclone chip amp and an Audio Gd NOS Dac/pre. It would come in just under £500 if of interest.

[itskeith]

Hi Alex and Lawrence.

Good to know on both accounts thanks.
Will have a read up.

Best wishes.
Keith

[kirstysdad]

Having been streaming using an ancient Google Chromecast Audio puck and a cheap SMSL SU1 DAC for months, I've recently bought Wiim Ultra (from Richer Sounds who give a 6 year guarantee).
Through a fairly revealing set up the results are astounding, especially with Hi Res on Qobuz.
Obviously, for £340 it's not up to a £2k CD player or turntable, but it IS fun, fast, rhythmic and only wants for a bit of warmth. If I want that then there's a ten band EQ adjustment but TBH having messed about with the room correction settings etc. I've just gone back to EQ off. Think of it as a bloody good £340 CD player that you can also stream radio through and you'll be happy.
For me the ability to explore new music with ease is a game changer.

[itskeith]

Hi Kirsty's Dad,

Many thanks - will certainly investigate.
Cheers.
Keith