TAG AVR or RSP-1068: which to sell

[rhubarbe]

I recently bought a TAG McLaren AV32R BP192 Surround Ex Plus 7.1. I'd say it's about five years old. I bought it for a two-channel setup in my sunlounge/kitchen.

Prior to being tempted by the TAG, I was planning to use an RSP-1068 that is near as darn it new.

The reason for the use of an AV processor is that I use a Sonos ZP80 as source and I want to pass digital coax to the processor and use the analogue volume control. If I used an analogue preamp I'd need a separate DAC and I am trying to minimise the number of boxes not increase it.

I have read that the TAG must be clearly superior to the 1068 (this is purely for 2 channel listening) and sadly it's now time to sell one of them.

Strangely, I hold the 1068 in higher esteem than the TAG: it's newer, lower standby power use, matches my RB-1092 amp, same size as my 1092 amp.... I could go on.

Would anybody like to help me decide which one to sell?

Please.

[gianni]

Have you listened and compared the two?

[rhubarbe]

Over my existing Arcam amp, yes. My new RB-1092 is at the dealer, who of course wants paying. I could do with selling one or the other in order to be able to afford to pay him for the 1092. Catch 22, I believe that is called.

The Arcam is warmer, but not as detailed as I hope the 1092 will be.

With the Arcam the TAG is better to my ears, but with the new 1092.....

[dmcgowan]

Surely your dealer will let you trial the RB-1092 at home given this decision?????

[rhubarbe]

He's 250 miles away, which I realise is nothing for you, but on this cramped, damp island or ours, with the most expensive petrol in the world... well no, he won't.

[dmcgowan]

Totally understand - 250 miles is still a long way here too. Just everything's a bloody long way here!

[rhubarbe]

I've decided to put 'em both up for sale, see which one sells first and then live with the one that's left. Put it down to fate.

Course, fate could make the wrong choice.....

[rhubarbe]

Wouldn't you just know it? They both sold. B*gger.

Now, I need a DAC/pre with some way of controlling it via rf remote (so I can shove it in the loft - it's a bungalow). Does anybody have any ideas?

[gd]

Not cheap... no analog in... but:

http://www.belcantodesign.com/prod_eOneDAC3.html

[gianni]

Wouldn't you just know it? They both sold. B*gger.

Now, I need a DAC/pre with some way of controlling it via rf remote (so I can shove it in the loft - it's a bungalow). Does anybody have any ideas?

Not surprising as they are both desireable pieces...was wondering why you took the chance and sold both. Once in a while, good planning does win out over fate. In any case, I hope whatever you end up with suits your needs better than both of the units you just sold.

Since matching your amp is no longer a concern and you desire to minimize the number of boxes, have you considered selling the 1092 and going with an all-in-one solution such as the Bryston B-100 integrated w/ DAC?