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Decent DAC/Streamer

My current system has two potential weak links.

The first is my DAC through which I play ripped CDs (my primary medium). It is a Schiit Modi 2 Uber. To be honest, I don't really perceive any issues with it. It approximates played CDs fairly well.

The second is my streaming set up. Currently Amazon Music (so no hi-rez) via Apple TV to the Schiit via optical. There are noticeable SQ issues here that I think have more to do with the Apple TV than the file size from Amazon.

So I'm wondering about a DAC/Streamer combo. The Node2i certainly comes to mind and if it is likely to be an improvement over Apple TV AND its DAC would be superior to the Schiit Modi them it would probably be the lowest price solution.  

I've also seen the Oppo Sonica (now discontinued) for sale in the $850-$1000 range and wondering about its DAC and ease of use with an iphone or laptop.

Open to other ideas but would say my potential future budget (there are currently _zero_ funds available) would be under $1000.
n80
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,760 posts
 
The Apple TV's optical output is definitely a weak link. I used one for several years because of the convenience and low cost but I didn't realize what a limitation it was until I replaced it with an Arcam rPlay. The increase in sound quality was dramatic. The rPlay does not contain a DAC, I connected it to first a Simaudio 300D and now a Wyred4Sound DAC1. The rPlay has the added advantage of being able to stream a number of the most popular high-res streaming services through the Play-Fi app. It can be set up using wifi or wired via Ethernet to your router.
mahler123
3,356 posts
 
I don’t know the DAC that you use, but the DAC in The Node2i is no great shakes.  Easiest thing would be to try the Node by itself and make your own comparison running the Node into your DAC.
  Remember, you can’t use the Node as a DAC with other digital sources, so eliminating the Schiit comes at the cost of losing some functionality 
ljgerens
157 posts
 
I found the Node2 did not sound as good as my Apple TV and DAC. My son also had a similar observation with his system.
n80 OP
2,117 posts
 
@mahler, the literature on the Node 2 says that it can be connected to an external hard drive.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
If you’re on a real tight budget, you can start of with a Chromecast Audio puck for $35 and a HiFi subscription to Tidal at $20/month. You can run the C.C. Audio through your Modi via (mini) optical connection and manage the content from your mobile device. I have mine running through a Modi Multibit in one of systems and the sound quality is very acceptable. Worth a try given the cost.
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