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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
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.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,678 posts
 

Plus 1 on getting the Lumin U2 mini ($2400) and the Denifrips Pontus ll ($1700). 
 

All the best.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,814 posts
 

I am using the N200 with LAB 12 's DAC 1 Reference and it is a great sounding combo. The LAB 12 is 24/192k only but it sounds so good I think I am going to keep it for a while.   I also use the N200 to drive my headphone rig.   A RME adi2 DAC into a Quicksilver headphone amp.     The Aurender actually drives both my main system and my headphone rig.   I am really loving this thing.   If I didn't have a DAC  I would have definitely bought the A200.  

jerrybj
862 posts
 

As an entry, Gustard R26 is getting very good reviews as a stand alone Dac. It also has an inbuilt streamer which would simplify things.

I moved away from MacBook as streamer was to a Project Stream Box S2 Ultra. Size was its advantage for me along with its quality. When or if I upgrade the Project will easily move to my headphone system (in its infancy currently).

ler0ck
10 posts
 

Digital is very simple. Get a good Dac and any streamer with stable control app and you are done. I saw that Dave isn’t better Qutest in noise measurements and, Dedicated streamer like Aurender/ Lumin isn’t make my rig sound any hair better than Bluesound Node, Ifi Zen streamer or Mini PC with Audirvana/Jriver. The main different is a look and their price. My worse time finding a Nirvana is end with Mc Amp and Tannoy Speakers. They are perfect for my room decoration with good sound experience

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