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Streamer/DAC - Where is the value?

I currently have ($10K) Olympica Nova II speakers, ($11K) McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp and a (~$1.5K) Cambridge Audio 851N network player. The weak link here seems to be the Cambridge unit. 

I'm prepared to upgrade my streamer/DAC situation and my budget is about $4-6K. Although there are SO many options out there and it's tough to tell where I'll find the most value. My assumption is that the DAC is going to play a much larger part in sound quality than the Streamer. I play music primarily through Tidal. I don't have requirements for server storage or any other sophisticated source capabilities. 

Many of the network players come with a pre-amp which I am assuming I should rule immediately. That pre-amp would be taking a share of the overall budget. On the other hand I was thinking maybe I should buy separates. I could max out the DAC and get something good enough for the streaming. Or even continue to use the Cambridge if I really wanted. Having a beautiful screen on a good looking streamer would be nice but seems like lower priority in terms of bang for buck.

Curious to hear people's thoughts. Are there any specific units anyone would recommend as either an all in one network player or as separates? The Auralic ALTAIR G2.1 seems like the ideal all in one but it's at the very peak of my budget.

Thanks!

128x128jpearson3131
overthemoon
417 posts
 

I like your system - I have Sf Nova's as well and I previously owned McIntosh pre and amplification.

I am biased towards DAC/streamer due to space and simplicity.  I started with Node 2i, then moved up to Moon 280D and now I have Moon 390 which is also a preamp.  The Moon 390 replaced my Moon 280D and McIntosh C2600...it was an upgrade for both.  And I sold the McIntosh for more than I paid for it. 

If you like the streamer/DAC that happens to be a pre-amp.  I wouldn't shy away from it.  Your integrated amp can be used just as an amp and if you decided to go to components a streamer/DAC "Network player" provides you flexibility in transitioning to separates (such as MC 312).  

Good luck in your journey!

tmccarthy's avatar
tmccarthy
31 posts
 

Given your budget and the quality of your gear, I'd recommend a DAC in the $3000 range (the Denafrips Venus or Holo Audio Spring would be at the top of my list) and a solid but not crazy expensive streamer, maybe a Lumin U2 Mini or one of the less expensive choices from Aurender.

vthokie83
854 posts
 

I'd do separate DAC and streamer; that way you can upgrade either/or unit if you feel the need later. I'll leave the streamer recommendations to others (I use the latest Bluesound Node 130).

Denafrips Pontus II DAC (alone or with a Denafrips Iris DDC which is amazing) and the Holo Audio Spring 3 (Version 2 or higher) or Holo Audio May DAC are great "bang for the buck" DACs.....$2,000 to $3,500

waltstradlater
1 posts
 

hifi rose 150b is working well for me.  in your price range, tons of features, good visual appeal, sounds great

w123ale
108 posts
 

I’m trying out a PS Audio Directstream with Mc separates. I found the Mc DAC a bit strident. PSA isn’t quite as exciting and dynamic, but is very smooth and sound more like my turntable. You can get them for about half of used, although a new version will be coming out soon.

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