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Choosing a Network Player/DAC

I finally have the audio setup I want for vinyl. I’d like to add digital to the system. I’m finding it very difficult to choose a product and any help would be appreciated. I have a McIntosh MA5100 paired with PSB Stratus Mini’s. The best way I can describe the sound I’m wanting to achieve is smooth reference..I favor a bit of brightness and separation is important to me...none of that information may be important when choosing a digital component but I thought I’d share. I have a media server, mainly for video, running PLEX. I have like 500gb of FLAC files on that hard drive. I also have a Tidal Account. I’m looking to add both to my audio system. My budget is around $700 but I could do more if that doesn’t cut it. So Network Player? DAC Attached to my Laptop/Server? Buy a mac mini and attach to DAC? Tubes (since this is a vintage system)? There’s so many ways to slice this up..I’m having a hard time. If anybody has experience and can recommend the merits of one over the others, it would helpful...also, this isn't necessary, but multi-room/zone would be nice.
128x128eli_tackla
4hannons's avatar
4hannons
187 posts
 
You may not need the USB isolator. Lots of people report however the isolation improves overall sound. YMMV
eli_tackla's avatar
eli_tackla OP
41 posts
 
@4hannons Very interesting. I'd love to give it a try and find out.
sgoode's avatar
sgoode
6 posts
 
I have 3-5 terabytes on HDD most Hi-RES , and a vinyl playback system as well. I added a Cambridge Azur 851n  which works as streamer, DAC, and preamp. I use it as preamp for Jolida vacuum tube amp in bypass mode. The sound is amazing. Way over 700 dollar budget at 1799.00 however would solve all your issues.
gareneau
110 posts
 
Tom,

I'm very interested to hear your impressions of the Soekris DAC.

Gary
4hannons's avatar
4hannons
187 posts
 
@gaareneau I'm burning to hear it myself.  I received the Soekris (took only 3 days-amazingly fast shipping) last week  but my 2009 Mac mini is running Snow Leopard and won't play the Soekris. I suspect some sort of incompatibility with older OS X. Tonight I purchased Mountain Lion, should receive it tomorrow and begin listening.

As I'm evaluating the Soekris I am also preparing for major changes in my system; adding a Microrendu audiophile-grade micro computer for network audio streaming. This will fix a major system flaw having my computer and stereo together -- I expect vast improvement removing the computer and hdd away and into a different room.

Lastly, I also have a Schiit Yggdrasil on its way to compare. So to recap, my current Centrance Dacmini CX, which is very under appreciated in the audio community, will go head-to-head against the Soekris. The winner will go against the Yggdrasil. 

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