Does the 'Buck' Start with the DAC?

@skanda,

Thanks for posting your feedback. I hope you were using i2s connection between the wavedream net and wavedream se DAC? I’ve heard through i2s the pair kicks into another level of audio bliss.

Personally, I would not sell wavedream net unless you get a chance to A/B with Taiko Extreme. I have no doubts that you will hear an uptick in performance with Taiko but only you can justify Taiko performance worth spending the extra $18K.

I am in everything matters camp, so I agree server (source) is just as important as your downline components....DAC, Preamp, Amp, cables and speakers.

i am actually connecting the rockna stack using a wireworld gold aes cable. i've always been a fan of aes and yeah ive heard all the arguments for using one vs. another but in my system i'm getting fantastic/best-i've-ever-heard sound. will i keep upgrading? hell yea! this is my hobby, there is no end goal, just keep trying stuff and if it's not better move it on out. i have my eye on a lampi pacific and maybe even new speakers but i found myself randomly in this server upgrade so should be interesting.

i will have a chance to a/b when the taiko arrives as i can return it back to my buddy. if i like it, i'll pay for it otherwise i'll give it back to my friend who ordered 3. i'll be running the taiko on usb but i reckon it will be an easy resale, if needed, given the waitlist for it. or if i like it more, i can sell the rockna and make some of that cost back. if anyone is interested in learning more feel free to pm me.

"rockna stack: wavedream signature se with wavedream net. it's a great combination in my system."

@skanda  Thanks for sharing your findings and results on your Rockna component stack. Hopefully your experience will help others making similar choices. And, of course, looking forward to your impressions once you have the Wavelight / Taiko Extreme in your system.

I'm in agreement on your "laws" perspective. Would love to hear more on that topic, wherever / whenever you choose to share.  : )

Been looking to finally add a dedicated streamer to my set up. I'm starting small with the SotM SMS 200 Neo. 

During my research - there's a massive thread on the new Sonore OpticalModule and quite a bit of feedback noting the improvement of feeding a streamer with fiber (or "cleaning" the ethernet signal). This device along with some power supply upgrades will be my next few purchases. 

Eventually the plan is to work up to 50:50 split between streamer and DAC. 

Does the buck start with the dac ? 
 I’ve never experienced a bigger “all at once jump” in musically performance as I have with a Innuos Zenith 3 and it’s all in one box Phoenix USB regenerator , power supplies and master clock .

Having borrowed a few dacs some beyond my budget like MSB , Chord Dave and Total dacs the all at once leap in musically performance wasn’t near the equal to that of the server and Phoenix component.
Though it’s all important..