I recommend Aurender. A new N200 or if you can find a used N250. Highly recommended.
Looking for a streaming DAC around 4k
Hi all:
It all started when I decided to upgrade my Bluesound Node 2i to an Eversolo DMP-A6. I loved the sexy touchscreen, internal SSD, etc. of the Eversolo. What I wasn’t prepared for was an immediate and obvious improvement in sound, especially in vocals. Vocals were much easier to understand, more clear. This was even obvious when I hooked it up to my second system, a Marantz HT receiver and a pair of ancient Dynaudio speakers. It was so obvious my wife noticed at once, just walking by.
So I’ve been wondering if upgrading to a better streaming DAC would give me another major improvement. I’m retired so I can’t make any $ystem wide improvements, and my system, by the standards of what I see here, is very modest to begin with. Also, I need my system to fit into a certain cabinet, so I need a one piece DAC/Streamer, I can’t have separates.
Current system:
Integrated Amp: Marantz PS11S1, from their Reference series, about 2007. I like that it has both MM and MC inputs.
CD Player: Marantz SA-15S1, ditto. I like that it will handle SACDs and it has a digital out that I would try and run thru the new DAC.
Current DAC/streamer: Eversolo DMP-A6
Speakers: Dynaudio Focus 220s, the original model.
Turntable: Not really applicable here, but I have a Basis 2000 deck with a Vector 3 arm and an Aria MC cartridge (forgot the exact model).
My budget would be under $5k total, so let’s call it $4k plus sales tax. I have no problem buying used. I would love internal SSD storage. I would also love it I could use my standard .m3u playlists with said internal storage. Love sexy touchscreens even if I mostly use the app on a tablet. Lol. I don’t have Roon and no plans to get it.
What do you think? Thanks!
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@akg_ca thanks for the help. It appears there is no local storage or even a way to connect a library via external USB, which would rule it out for me. @kennymacc I will get right on it. To @tony1954, I'm in the NE USA, I will look into Aurender carefully, I see it's very popular! |
The MOON has a USB-B (for computer connections) and it’s controlled via its MIND2 controller and app.
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If you really like the touchscreen I would check out the Hifi Rose 150b. If you can do without the touchscreen the Lumins are very nice (like the T2-3) or Bryston 3.14. By the way, if you have a bunch of SACDs, while your Marantz won’t do it, down the road if you picked up something like an Oppo or Sony with HDMI outputs, the Bryston will take a DSD stream out of the SACD player. So in a way, something like the Bryston could help you future proof a little bit if/when your Marantz quits. Or you could just buy a new SACD player! |
- 18 posts total