Decisions, decisions (upgrades to digital front end)
At a bit of a crossroads and looking to upgrade my digital front end. The impetus is that I've come to realize I'm doing about 90% of my listening through Tidal these days.
I have aspirations to step up the analog side but for the moment I think it makes all the sense in the world to put resources in the spots where I'm going to enjoy them the most.
Current streaming setup is an Auralic Aries into an PS Audio NuWave Dac with a PS Audio PWT on CD duties for when the need arises. Happy with the PWT. The decision I'm trying to make is whether to upgrade and continue with separates or go with an integrated DAC/streamer, which is starting to look like a more viable option with many more models on the market these days.
If I go with separates, I'm leaning toward the Benchmark DAC3. And then the question becomes what to move up to from the Aries. If I go with an integrated, I am interested in the new Vega G2. I'm already a fan of Auralic and the features and initial reviews appear very promising. I am nowhere near an Auralic dealer and don't know anyone who owns one so I'm sort of flying blind on that front.
Looking for some input on:
1. Whether to stick with separates or go with an integrated streamer/DAC
2. In either case, whether there are other
I realize the DAC market is pretty crowded in the $2K to $3K range so happy to receive any recommendations on that front. If anyone has suggestions for other integrated DAC/streamers would be happy to hear those as well. I'd like to keep the total budget on this endeavor under $6K. Looking for something that can handle all the current formats, not just redbook.
Beyond the digital components listed above, the core parts of the system are:
Triton Reference floorstanders
Harbeth 30.1 monitors
Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium Integrated (EL34s)
Tellurium Q and Audioquest ICs
Shunyata Hydra and power cords
Truly appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.
Current streaming setup is an Auralic Aries into an PS Audio NuWave Dac with a PS Audio PWT on CD duties for when the need arises. Happy with the PWT. The decision I'm trying to make is whether to upgrade and continue with separates or go with an integrated DAC/streamer, which is starting to look like a more viable option with many more models on the market these days.
If I go with separates, I'm leaning toward the Benchmark DAC3. And then the question becomes what to move up to from the Aries. If I go with an integrated, I am interested in the new Vega G2. I'm already a fan of Auralic and the features and initial reviews appear very promising. I am nowhere near an Auralic dealer and don't know anyone who owns one so I'm sort of flying blind on that front.
Looking for some input on:
1. Whether to stick with separates or go with an integrated streamer/DAC
2. In either case, whether there are other
I realize the DAC market is pretty crowded in the $2K to $3K range so happy to receive any recommendations on that front. If anyone has suggestions for other integrated DAC/streamers would be happy to hear those as well. I'd like to keep the total budget on this endeavor under $6K. Looking for something that can handle all the current formats, not just redbook.
Beyond the digital components listed above, the core parts of the system are:
Triton Reference floorstanders
Harbeth 30.1 monitors
Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium Integrated (EL34s)
Tellurium Q and Audioquest ICs
Shunyata Hydra and power cords
Truly appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.
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- 5 posts total
- 5 posts total