2. digital
  3. 137371-103958

Time for an all in one streaming solution

Hey guys and gals.

I'm looking for advice on all in one streaming solution/DAC that can compete with my Chord 2Qute DAC in terms of detail, transparency and size of soundstage in the US $1500 range.

I was running a Macbook Pro running Audirvana and Tidal Hi Fi.  I then moved on to an Allo DigiOne which bested my Macbook set up in terms of sound quality but is a real headache dealing with a bunch of apps (Volumio/BubbleUPnP etc) and crappy interfaces.  And I require something my wife can operate comfortably. 

Now here is the dilemma, most systems are trying to remove brightness/glare or smooth off the treble.  That's not what I'm after.  The best synergy with my system comes with something that is very open, transparent with a lot of detail that a lot of folks may find too revealing.  (I run tubes and Audionote AN-E speakers)

The Cambridge Azur 851N is currently at the top of my list.  The sound has been described as muscular with nice detail and openness on top.  To be honest it's only at the top of my list mainly because of the price and I'm not sure of many other contenders at this price point.  

I'm not willing to sacrifice sound quality to get into a streamer though.

Or do I keep the Chord 2Qute and run an Aurender N100 or Auralic Aries with it?

Thanks for the input!





 

 




hfaddict
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
Thank you @david_ten and @spinaker01 Thanks for the suggestions gents.

@audioengr Thank you for that info.  I have actually run across your post there a few times over the last year or so.  Very nice unit but is out of my budget.  

I ended up purchasing an LKS MH-DA004 DAC and Auralic Aries Mini for the streaming duties. The Auralic will be connected to ethernet.

If you don’t mind me asking, what output do you recommend I use? (USB or co-ax?)

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

@hfaddict - S/PDIF coax is less problematic than USB, however you are relying on the master clock in the Aurilic for the S/PDIF coax output.  For async USB, it is the USB interface clock inside the DAC that is the master clock.  Two different clocks.  Whichever one has the lowest jitter is usually best, but USB complicates things.  The player software can have a big impact, as well as the USB output port on the streamer and the USB cable.

I can only recommend to try both using good cables and go with the one you like best.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@audioengr Makes perfect sense, will do.  Thanks again.  
More to discover