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Can anyone recommend a good streamer/DAC?

I have tried streaming on an Astell& Kern Kann Cube and love it. Now looking for a streamer DAC combo (or  both integrated in one box) to put on the rack with my living room system. I have read good things about the Cambridge Audio 851n and their CXN v2; $1,500 and $1,100, respectively. Also about the Bryston BDA-3.14, at $4,200. I am willing to pay for good quality sound and at the same time I worry that the technology may be moving fast enough that as with computers and HDTVs there will be a much better version available soon for a lot less money. Anybody know if Cambridge Audio or Bryston has anything new in the works for streamer/DACs? All recommendations will be much appreciated.
kevin1956
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vidya46
17 posts
 
Bluesound Node 2i,for streamer..Has a good usable Android/iOS App..Connects all the time (had such a lag and issues with Lightning DS from auralic)...I download FLAC into folders on my Mac mini..and create assorted playlists on the app..So cool..

PS: I use a separate DAC...
jl1ny's avatar
jl1ny
410 posts
 
I was facing the same quandary and went against my rule of “buy once, cry once”. I wanted the Cambridge CNX but opted for the Node 2i. It’s a great piece of gear but unfortunately it doesn’t satisfy me sonically...now I’m hunting for a external DAC.   
fredlobo's avatar
fredlobo
19 posts
 
I agree with all the votes for Lumin.  I have the X1 and am very pleased.
gman74's avatar
gman74
33 posts
 
Moon mind 2 streamer is excellent. There are a lot of very good dads now days.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
965 posts
 
+1 with @mahler123
I have the Bryston Pi which is a DACless streamer and Brystons entry point for streamers. The Manic Moose software is pretty bad but like @mahler123 said it dont matter if your just streaming Qobuz.
I know you said yo want Streamer DAC combo but think about seperates as well.
I found the Pi for ~$600 US. That leaves lots of $$ left over to get a good DAC. I like the idea of separates , especially in this case were DAC technology is moving at a rapid clip. Gives you the flexibility to upgrade the DAC.

The Bryston components will be a step up from the Node.

I am also testing roon and right now the way I am configured the MPD service in the Bryston beets the paints off Roon for SQ


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