In my case I still have my tube amp and tube pre amp that I bought in the mid nineties and have no plans to change them. I certainly have changed speakers over the years. But recently I decided on a good quality external DAC which is the Exogal Comet Plus. For a streamer I just purchased the Audiolab 6000N for its ease of use. It does have an internal DAC. The cost was around $600 so in a few years if it becomes out of date or unsupported, I'll just replace it.
Which combination of components (Streamer, DAC, Preamp, Amp, etc.) are most future-proof?
Hi all,
I’m in the process of gently upgrading my older, mid-fi system. I’ve started with speakers (Salk WOW1’s, REL 328 sub). I recognize that the amplification, cables, room, and source all need investment.
I’m focusing first on source(s) and how to serve them up. While I have a decent CD collection, mostly I’ve been streaming my music from ripped MP3 files and Spotify. I no longer have a working CD player. I know that higher resolution sources (lossless files or high quality streaming) is important. Re-ripping my collection may become a project.
So, here’s my question — a lot of reading has shown me a dizzying range of ways to go. Music servers/streamers, DAC, preamp, amp are available in many combinations. I’d like quality but am not inclined to spend tens of thousands of dollars; I resist going the "separates" route for *every* piece. So which combinations make the most sense? A streamer/DAC? A preamp/DAC? An integrated amp/DAC? Something else?
In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated. So, for example, if DAC’s are likely to evolve quickly, then I’d like my integrated amp to not be weighed down by a DAC which would too quickly become a vestigial organ inside it.
To reiterate the question: What combination components would best help out with some portion of the sequence of serving--converting--amplifying--digital sources materials while avoiding too-rapid obsolescence?
Thanks for entertaining the question. Again, I’ve read a lot, but it’s not made my path clear. (Or maybe I just get a PS Sprout and call it a day?)
Dave
I’m in the process of gently upgrading my older, mid-fi system. I’ve started with speakers (Salk WOW1’s, REL 328 sub). I recognize that the amplification, cables, room, and source all need investment.
I’m focusing first on source(s) and how to serve them up. While I have a decent CD collection, mostly I’ve been streaming my music from ripped MP3 files and Spotify. I no longer have a working CD player. I know that higher resolution sources (lossless files or high quality streaming) is important. Re-ripping my collection may become a project.
So, here’s my question — a lot of reading has shown me a dizzying range of ways to go. Music servers/streamers, DAC, preamp, amp are available in many combinations. I’d like quality but am not inclined to spend tens of thousands of dollars; I resist going the "separates" route for *every* piece. So which combinations make the most sense? A streamer/DAC? A preamp/DAC? An integrated amp/DAC? Something else?
In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated. So, for example, if DAC’s are likely to evolve quickly, then I’d like my integrated amp to not be weighed down by a DAC which would too quickly become a vestigial organ inside it.
To reiterate the question: What combination components would best help out with some portion of the sequence of serving--converting--amplifying--digital sources materials while avoiding too-rapid obsolescence?
Thanks for entertaining the question. Again, I’ve read a lot, but it’s not made my path clear. (Or maybe I just get a PS Sprout and call it a day?)
Dave
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- 40 posts total
A new $2k dac is not going to blow away a new $10k dac. A $2k dac will sound very good but won’t have features that more expensive dacs have.95% of the dacs on the market are stuck with what you have is what you will always have. Another few % will have upgrades you can purchase to bring them more current. Only a couple of vendors provide fpga based dac that you get free upgrades that make an excellent sounding dac better a couple times a year. As for streamers, you get a network based dac, you don’t need a streamer. Actually, it’s much better not having a computer in your audio room. Most if not All streamers are computer based. |
Hello, I think the perfect solution for you is the Lyngdorf TDAI 3400. It is a streamer, a DAC, a multi-input preamp, a power amp, it sounds fantastic AND it has room correction software built in that will optimise the performance of your loudspeakers in your room and perfectly integrate your sub woofer with the room and speakers. I have one of these with Harbeth Compact7es 40th Ann. Speakers and a pair of Lyngdorf subs and it’s the real deal. |
Hello, I know of at least one manufacturer who is addressing this problem by making a basic integrated amps with optional boards that can be added to the integrated amps. That way as technology changes upgrades to new technology are related to the cost of a new optional board. In addition some boards my only require new software. These amps are Roon ready and can be controlled through Roon. Here is a link to the solid state Ares integrated amp
http://audio-union.com/audio-union/thrax-audio/ares/ Here is the link to the Enyo tube integrated amp http://audio-union.com/audio-union/thrax-audio/enyo/ |
- 40 posts total