@grannyring,
I am now using a full digital suite of Merging Technologies. My digital front end comprises a +player, +power and +clock modules. For starters, the +player is a DAC and Roon core integrated into one box. In direct comparison with Aurender ACS100, I found zero compromises in sound quality from Qobuz. Since +player is a network attached DAC/Streamer, it communicates with ACS100 or any NAS via ethernet. I am using ACS100 for playback and file management of my precious CD rips and DSD downloads.
As a one box solution; the +player is very nicely loaded with DAC/Streamer/Preamp/Headphone amp functionality. Once you add the optional external clock and power modules, you're in a different stratosphere of digital realm. The rest of the setup is outlined in my virtual system here, https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9445
https://nadac.merging.com/products
https://nadac.merging.com/history
I am now using a full digital suite of Merging Technologies. My digital front end comprises a +player, +power and +clock modules. For starters, the +player is a DAC and Roon core integrated into one box. In direct comparison with Aurender ACS100, I found zero compromises in sound quality from Qobuz. Since +player is a network attached DAC/Streamer, it communicates with ACS100 or any NAS via ethernet. I am using ACS100 for playback and file management of my precious CD rips and DSD downloads.
As a one box solution; the +player is very nicely loaded with DAC/Streamer/Preamp/Headphone amp functionality. Once you add the optional external clock and power modules, you're in a different stratosphere of digital realm. The rest of the setup is outlined in my virtual system here, https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9445
https://nadac.merging.com/products
https://nadac.merging.com/history