Stax is a Japanese brand known for producing high-quality electrostatic headphones and earphones.

Stax

SR-34


For those of you diving into streaming setups and trying to get the most out of your high-end gear without sacrificing sound quality, here’s a streamlined approach that hits all the right notes without going over $2000. This setup is designed to deliver exceptional audio performance while keeping things straightforward and accessible, perfect for audiophiles who appreciate both form and function.

### Setup: Eversolo DMP-A6 + NAD C 316BEE V2 + Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52

**1. Eversolo DMP-A6**

-   **Price**: ~$850
-   **Details**: This streaming DAC is where it’s at. It handles high-res formats like a champ—think DSD512 and PCM 768kHz. If you’re serious about your digital sources, the DMP-A6 will make sure nothing gets lost in translation. It’s got the right app support too, so you’re not fumbling around trying to get the best out of Tidal or Qobuz. The build quality is solid, and it integrates seamlessly with any high-fidelity system.

**2. NAD C 316BEE V2**

-   **Price**: ~$450
-   **Details**: Don’t sleep on this integrated amp just because it’s NAD’s entry-level. It’s got 40W per channel, but it punches way above its weight class. With a built-in phono stage, you’re covered if you want to spin some vinyl too. This amp is all about keeping it simple and musical, and it pairs perfectly with the Eversolo. NAD’s design philosophy shines through here, delivering a warm, engaging sound that’s perfect for both casual listening and critical sessions.

**3. Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52**

-   **Price**: ~$600
-   **Details**: These Elac bookshelf speakers are the real deal. A 3-way design gives you clarity and separation that’s hard to beat in this price range. Midrange detail? Check. Tight bass? You got it. They’re not flashy, but man, do they deliver when it comes to sound. The Uni-Fi 2.0’s are engineered to provide a balanced, immersive soundstage, making them a standout choice for anyone serious about their audio setup.

**Total Cost**: ~$1900

### Accessories: Cables and Stands

To make sure everything sounds its best, don’t forget the small stuff. Even with a premium setup, the right accessories can make a noticeable difference.

**1. Speaker Cables**

-   **Price**: ~$15
-   **Details**: Basic 16-gauge wire works fine here. You’re not breaking the bank, but it’ll get the job done without degrading the signal. High-quality cables ensure that the audio signal remains clean and intact, preserving the integrity of your music.

**2. Interconnects**

-   **Price**: ~$10
-   **Details**: Grab some decent RCA cables to connect your DAC to the amp. Monoprice does a solid job for not much cash, and they keep the noise down. Investing in well-shielded interconnects reduces the risk of interference, ensuring that your system performs at its best.

**3. Speaker Stands**

-   **Price**: ~$100
-   **Details**: Get your speakers off the floor and at ear level. Sanus adjustable stands are good—they’re sturdy, and they help dial in that sweet spot. Proper placement on quality stands can drastically improve imaging and soundstage, making your setup even more impressive.

**Grand Total**: ~$2025

### Alternative Setup Under $2000

If you’re leaning towards something different but still want to stay within budget, here’s an alternative that keeps the quality high.

**Bluesound Node** + **Yamaha A-S801** + **KEF Q150**

**Bluesound Node**

-   **Price**: ~$600
-   **Details**: Great streamer, solid app, and plays nice with pretty much any setup. The Node supports all major streaming services and is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it a popular choice among audiophiles.

**Yamaha A-S801**

-   **Price**: ~$900
-   **Details**: This integrated amp has power for days, and a solid DAC built in. No fuss, just good sound. Yamaha’s reputation for build quality and performance is well-earned, and the A-S801 delivers on both fronts with authority.

**KEF Q150**

-   **Price**: ~$400
-   **Details**: These speakers give you a wide soundstage and clean detail, perfect for smaller spaces. KEF’s Uni-Q driver array ensures precise imaging and a cohesive sound that’s hard to beat at this price point.

**Total Cost**: ~$1900, leaving a bit for cables and stands.

### Wrap Up

So, there you have it—a couple of setups that’ll get you high-quality streaming without blowing your budget. Whether you go for the Eversolo/NAD/Elac combo or the Bluesound/Yamaha/KEF route, you’re in for some seriously good listening sessions. The key is matching your components well and not skimping on the little things, like decent cables and proper speaker placement. These setups are designed to bring out the best in your music, offering a listening experience that’s both engaging and rewarding. Enjoy the music, because with these setups, it’s going to sound better than ever.

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Midrange Streaming Setup for Under $2000

NAD is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment and electronics.

ELAC is a brand known for its high-quality HiFi audio products.

ELAC

Bluesound is a brand that specializes in high-quality wireless audio systems.

Bluesound

Yamaha is a Japanese brand known for manufacturing a wide range of products, including musical instruments, audio equipment, electronics, and motorcycles.

Yamaha

KEF is a brand that specializes in high-quality audio equipment, particularly loudspeakers and headphones.

The NAD C 316 BEE is an integrated amplifier designed for audio enthusiasts. It offers 40 watts per channel of continuous power and has a sleek and compact design. The amplifier features NAD's patented PowerDrive circuitry, which allows it to deliver dynamic and detailed sound. It has multiple inputs, including a phono input for connecting a turntable. The C 316 BEE also includes a headphone jack and a remote control for convenient operation. Overall, it is a highly regarded amplifier known for its excellent performance and value.

C 316 BEE


In a remarkable celebration of its 40th anniversary, Sonus Faber has unveiled its most ambitious project to date - the Suprema loudspeaker system. This groundbreaking release is not just a testament to the brand's legacy in the realm of artisanal design and audio engineering but also a bold statement in the high-fidelity audio market.

#### A Blend of Artisanal Craftsmanship and Advanced Acoustic Engineering

The Suprema, as explained by Sonus Faber, is a sophisticated four-column system that includes two main columns and two subwoofers, complemented by an external electronic crossover. This innovative design, pioneered by the brand’s engineering team, aims to propel acoustic performance to unprecedented levels of excellence.

Drawing inspiration from classical instruments, the main columns of the Suprema feature the iconic Sonus faber lute shape, first introduced with the Guarneri model in 1993. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally significant, as it enhances the virtual soundstage and blends seamlessly into any listening environment. The subwoofers adopt Stradivari’s elliptical shape, which is particularly effective in reproducing low frequencies.

#### Innovative Features for Unparalleled Audio Experience

Each main column in the Suprema system is a 4.5-way system, featuring an array of speakers that includes 2 back-firing and 8 front-firing units. This configuration improves sound staging and dispersion, ensuring an unparalleled audio reproduction across all levels of frequency.

In their quest to evolve the signature Natural Sound of Sonus faber, the company has introduced three new elements in the Suprema: a midrange with a cellulose pulp diaphragm, a mid-tweeter, and a super tweeter, both with treated silk domes. These advancements are reflective of Sonus faber’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing their renowned sound quality.

#### Technical Prowess Meets Luxury Design

The Suprema boasts impressive technical specifications, with the main columns recommended for use with amplifiers ranging from 100 W to 700 W and the subwoofers capable of handling 500 W to 2000 W. The external crossover is a testament to the brand’s attention to detail, featuring a full discrete, pure analog stereo/mono active design.

Sonus faber has always been synonymous with luxury, and the Suprema is no exception. Available in four standard finishes, the system offers a wide range of customization options, including wood finishes, leather, and interior cables, ensuring that each pair is aesthetically harmonious with its subwoofer and external crossover.

#### Positioning in the High-End Audio Market

Priced at the upper echelon of the audio market, the Suprema is positioned as a pinnacle achievement in Sonus faber’s illustrious history. It joins the ranks of the brand’s Reference Collection, alongside other notable models like the Aida and Il Cremonese, priced at €110,000 and €50,000 per pair, respectively.

#### Features and Technical Details

-   **System Configuration**:
    
    -   Main Column: 4.5-way sealed box
    -   Subwoofer: Sealed box loading, passive subwoofer
-   **Recommended Amplifier Power**:
    
    -   Main Column: 100 W – 700 W
    -   Subwoofer: 500 W – 2000 W
-   **Speaker Design**:
    
    -   Two main columns in the iconic Sonus faber lute shape
    -   Two subwoofers featuring Stradivari’s elliptical shape
-   **Driver Arrangement**:
    
    -   Each main column: 4.5 ways system
    -   2 back-firing speakers plus 8 front-firing speakers in each column
    -   Includes 4 dual drive woofers, 1 mid-woofer, 1 Camelia midrange, 1 mid-tweeter, and 1 super tweeter
-   **New Elements**:
    
    -   Midrange with a cellulose pulp diaphragm
    -   New mid-tweeter with a treated silk dome
    -   New super tweeter with a treated silk dome
-   **External Crossover**:
    
    -   Full Discrete – Pure Analog Stereo/Mono active Crossover
-   **Customization Options**:
    
    -   Four standard finishes
    -   Additional customization options for wood finishes, leather, and interior cables
-   **Craftsmanship**:
    
    -   Artisanal design with a focus on luxury materials like Italian leather, carbon fiber, and solid aluminum

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Sonus Faber Celebrates 40 Years with the Launch of the Exceptional Suprema

Sonus Faber is a brand that specializes in high-end audio products like speakers. They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating both aesthetically beautiful and sonically superior audio equipment.

Sonus Faber

Experience the Ultimate in Sound with Sonus Faber's New Suprema Loudspeakers

Sony is rumored to be on the brink of launching a new chapter in its earbud series, the LinkBuds 2, stirring up conversations among tech enthusiasts. The whispers about these earbuds paint a picture of innovation and refinement, especially with the anticipated addition of noise-cancellation technology. This feature catches the eye because the original LinkBuds were known for their "open ring" design, which lets you hear the world around you. Integrating noise cancellation into this design raises questions and curiosity about how Sony has managed to pull off such a feat.

Leaks, particularly from The Walkman Blog, give us a sneak peek at what the LinkBuds 2 might offer. They're expected to provide an "elevated audio experience," potentially matching the sound quality of Sony's high-end WF-1000XM5 earbuds. This comparison sets high expectations for the LinkBuds 2, hinting at a superior listening experience.

From the technical standpoint, these earbuds are said to house the MediaTek MT2833 chipset, the same brain that powers the WF-1000XM5. This detail suggests that Sony is not holding back on the internal components, aiming for top-notch performance.

The design seems to pay homage to its predecessors, maintaining the unique open-ring structure but with slight modifications to the charging pins and driver holes. This indicates Sony's commitment to the original aesthetic appeal while probably enhancing functionality and comfort.

Color options seem to be expanding too, with leaks hinting at a classic black and a new light gray variant, offering a choice to match personal style preferences.

Battery life details are still under wraps, yet if we go by the original LinkBuds' performance, users can expect around five-and-a-half hours of playback time, which is pretty standard for earbuds of this caliber.

As for the release date, there's no official announcement yet. However, the appearance of these earbuds in regulatory filings suggests that Sony might soon unveil them, following the pattern of previous launches.

Summing up, the Sony LinkBuds 2 are shaping up to be a fascinating blend of innovative technology and unique design. They promise to challenge the conventional earbud experience, especially with the integration of noise-cancellation into an open design. While we await more details, the rumored specs and features indicate that these earbuds could be a noteworthy addition to Sony's lineup, appealing to those who appreciate a mix of cutting-edge technology and distinctive style.

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Leaked Details on Sony's Next Big Thing - The LinkBuds 2

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

The rumor mill buzzes with details of Sony LinkBuds 2 - promising enhancements in sound, design, and functionality.

SR-34

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Midrange Streaming Setup for Under $2000

Sonus Faber Celebrates 40 Years with the Launch of the Exceptional Suprema

Leaked Details on Sony's Next Big Thing - The LinkBuds 2