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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
eziggy
137 posts
 
Just recently picked up a Meridian 218 a totally under-marketed little device.  Geared towards custom installers, but has a 24 bit/192khz DAC, digital input/output, Roon support, and has full MQA decoding.  Only downside, like all Meridian products, can only do 24/96 through Roon, unless it’s MQA.  This can used as a preamp as well when paired with an IP controller, as well as Roon.

Been mostly paying Tidal through Roon and got to say it’s an amazing sounding device for the cost (retails for $1,000).  To be honest I blew this off since it’s labeled as a Zone Controller, until I heard the 251 (same as 218 but with a digital amp) paired with Vandersteen speakers and I was blown away at the clarity and smoothness, especially for the size of the device.
manishe
12 posts
 
I’ve just setup a Bluenode into my McIntosh 252 amp. It sounds amazing!

Before I purchased it I considered getting Chord DAC but for my needs I think it’s overkill. I’m quite happy with just the Bluenode.

I did add recently an Amazon Echo Input so my wife can use Alexa commands. The quality is noticeably worse as expected but for background music when we are cooking it’s handy.
bobby23227
1 posts
 
This has been mentioned already, but I wanted to comment on a Raspberry Pi based option. Look at the Allo Digione Signature. It’s plug and play and it’s fantastic!  I have one in my bedroom system. Play this through your digital coax input on your Schiit dac. You can upgrade the dac later if you feel it’s necessary. I play mine through a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 100 which is connected to a Rega intergrated amp and a pair of Scan Speak 2 way monitors. Very nice sound. 

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markv
6 posts
 
Just bought an Elac Discovery DAC/Streamer that operates with Roon Essentials - basically a limited version of Roon Server. This licence comes free (lifetime) with the device. No Roon fees. Anyway, some of the limitations are a 30,000 track limit and no DSD. It plays 192/24 files. The hardware has been MQA certified, but Elac has not announced full MQA support yet - I think it will come in a future update of Roon Essentials. The device sounds fantastic. I’ve added a number of Internet FLAC radio stations that sound great. The device has two analog outs and one digital out - either an SPDIF or Optical. So you can output to a better DAC.  Tidal is part of the Roon Essentials - so I'm on a 30 day Tidal trial at the moment.  Spotify also works well with the Discovery.  Good deal at Best Buy - clearance sale.
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