2. digital
  3. 147146-115924

Decent DAC/Streamer

My current system has two potential weak links.

The first is my DAC through which I play ripped CDs (my primary medium). It is a Schiit Modi 2 Uber. To be honest, I don't really perceive any issues with it. It approximates played CDs fairly well.

The second is my streaming set up. Currently Amazon Music (so no hi-rez) via Apple TV to the Schiit via optical. There are noticeable SQ issues here that I think have more to do with the Apple TV than the file size from Amazon.

So I'm wondering about a DAC/Streamer combo. The Node2i certainly comes to mind and if it is likely to be an improvement over Apple TV AND its DAC would be superior to the Schiit Modi them it would probably be the lowest price solution.  

I've also seen the Oppo Sonica (now discontinued) for sale in the $850-$1000 range and wondering about its DAC and ease of use with an iphone or laptop.

Open to other ideas but would say my potential future budget (there are currently _zero_ funds available) would be under $1000.
n80
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
I have the Klipsch Gate and really like it. Sold both my node 2 and 2i as I didnt care much for the user interface or the sound quality.
My wife uses it for her Amazon music and I use it for Qobuz and Tidal. For $30 its a pretty good deal. Only thing I dont care for is the 3.5 mm out. So I ordered the Powergate which is $150 but has bluetooth, more idigital and analog inputs and rca outputs along with ethernet connection. I will most likely not use the 100 wpc hypex class d amp section.
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
Have you looked att Raspberry Pi based systems?
You can add s/pdif ports or dacs.

https://youtu.be/2fX7NSaAKYU

Or try some new integrated solution like this.
https://www.miveraaudio.com/forum/puremusic-jr/puremusic-jr
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
Thanks for that link headphonedreams the puremusic jr looks very intriguing!
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,760 posts
 
@leemaze -- You're right, sorry, the rPlay does have an internal DAC, I'd forgotten that because I've never used it. I use the coax digital output to an external Wyred4Sound DAC. The rPlay does have wired Ethernet input. That's how I use it, Ethernet cable directly from my Airport Extreme router.
hemoncdoc
71 posts
 
The Cambridge Audio CXN.  Sounds good, I have one in my secondary system.  Proprietary software works very well.  Does well with Tidal, NAS, internet radio, and Airplay,  I have not tried Spotify Connect.  Disadvantages not Roon compliant, no MQA, and only does Qobuz via Airplay.  Do believe you will need to use Airplay for  your Amazon Music.   Open box unit on CA website delivered for $510.
More to discover