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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
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
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@david_ten 

I have not heard about a GX Series roll out but I dont follow as closely as some.  You may find a lot of info through this link:

https://community.auralic.com/
david_ten OP
5,480 posts
 
@three_easy_payments  Thanks for the link. I'll wade into it. : )

@thyname 😄


lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,082 posts
 
“Because the DAC is the link between the digital and analog portions”. 
+1, thyname. 
I went through fair share of DAC’s in my pursuit for soul stirring digital front end. The EMM DA2 has ended my quest for a SOTA digital to analog converter under $25K. 
Count me in the camp of ‘Everything Matters’.   
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Yes indeed, Ed Meitner makes great DACs. The EMM Labs DACs should definitely be up there, as a SOTA DAC
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