It makes perfect sense, at least to me, to begin our Recommended Systems with one that’s mostly mine.
Recommended System #1:
Wattson Madison Streaming DAC: $5500 | review
Aurorasound HFSA-02 Integrated Tube Amplifier: $9990 | review
DeVore O/96: $17,500/pair | review
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System Total: $32,900
I own 2/3s of this system, I’ve reviewed every piece, and I’ve heard the whole shebang together so I know from whence I recommend.
This system excels when it comes to a natural and completely engaging sound that I could, and kinda have, lived with it as my one and only. The DeVore O/96 are a classic having been in production since 2011 (!) and they have remained as popular as ever for good reason—emotional engagement—which means that all of the pieces of the reproduction puzzle are perfectly balanced and speak directly to matters well past yer ears. If we stick with this metric, emotional involvement, and anywhere near the O/96’s price I don’t know of a contender that comes close.
When it comes to power, the DeVores easy load means the world is your oyster. The recently reviewed and purchased Aurorasound HFSA-02 stole my heart with its combined strengths that marry stunning levels of clarity and refinement with a nicely textured and harmonically rich voice. The best of every world (and a remote).
The Wattson Madison Streaming DAC is a great simple solution—Ethernet in, analog out—and with its host of digital inputs you can add a CD transport if you so desire. The Madison excels at smooth and natural sound that is at the same time refined and resolving which can be a difficult combo of pluses to pull off in the digital to analog domain.
According to my tastes and desires, this system checks all the rights boxes—it offers a compelling gateway to music with no time limits imposed by the mechanics of reproduction, I love the way it looks, and I respect each company for the work they do and how they about doing it. Win3.
Optional Add-Ons
Wattson Madison Power S: $2750 | review
Aurorasound HFSA-02 MM Phono Stage: +$400
Aurorasound AFE-12 MC Step Up Transformer: $799 | more info
If you want to get more from the Wattson Madison Streaming DAC in terms of important musical information, the Madison Power S delivers. For record players, i.e. players of records, the optional MM phono stage for the Aurorasound HFSA-02 integrated amp is, at $400, a no-brainer and if you run with a MC cartridge the $799 AFE-12 Step Up from, you guessed it, Aurorasound is the perfect partner.