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Does the 'Buck' Start with the DAC?

Some members have expressed that the server / streaming front end is less important than the DAC.

I subscribe to the position that "Everything Matters"

As I consider front end choices, I'm trying to gauge if I should be leaning more heavily on a DAC versus a SOURCE (server / streamer).

Feedback and perspective from both camps, or any others, will be helpful. Thank you.

Please Note:  I'm not looking for validation of the position that "only the bits" matter... I accept that some believe this wholeheartedly... and that's okay by me. 
david_ten
atdavid
736 posts
 
If the DAC is well designed, has good analog layout, is isolated as necessary, etc. then the streamer should not matter at all.
david_ten OP
5,480 posts
 
@atdavid

- Reasons for "the streamer should not matter at all"?

- Which DACs fit these criteria, according to you? Which streamers would you pair with them?

Thanks.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@david_ten 

It's pretty well documented on the Auralic community board, and by statements made by the designer - Xuanqian, that the Aries G1/G2 provide improved SQ when paired with the Vega G1/G2 compared to using the very basic built-in streaming capabilities that come with the Vega DACs.  I don't think the improvements are tremendous but there is general consensus that they are there, not to mention that much better functionality/buffering/etc of the Aries streamer compared to the built-in one on the Vega.  That's one thing I have my eye on is looking for a good deal on a used Aries G1 to pair with the Vega if I can find it.
david_ten OP
5,480 posts
 
@three_easy_payments  Thank you!  Auralic wasn't on my radar... I'll take a deeper look.

Since you are up on Auralic, is there any information on whether a full GX series is in the works?
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

david_ten OP3,358 posts11-22-2019 9:36am@atdavid

- Reasons for "the streamer should not matter at all"?

- Which DACs fit these criteria, according to you? Which streamers would you pair with them?

Thanks.

I can answer that on behalf of @atdavid - simply by knowing ASR thought process and "proof":

In terms of DAC: anything from China measures good enough. Example: Topping at $50 a piece

Streamer: does not really matter. A Chromecast Audio at $35 will do
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