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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
david_ten OP
5,480 posts
 
@headphonedreams  Thanks for your suggested allocation of 2 : 1.

I have heard the dCS Bartok in a system, as well as the Rossini (twice) and a full Vivaldi stack.
david_ten OP
5,480 posts
 
@thyname  Your current breakdown is roughly 3 : 1

Do you feel that allocation is a good one to target?

I have had the Zenith M3 in my system.

I chose to leave cabling out of the discussion, for obvious reasons. : )
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Not sure if it is a good ratio to target. I definitely like how my system sounds. 
You no longer have the ZENith MK3? Why? I used to own the sonicTransporter i5 a while back, as Roon Core, and while it was more powerful in processing power compared to Innuos line, the ZENith sounded noticeably better to my ears, plus extra features, etc. I don’t do any heavy DSP, and my library is relatively small at slightly over 1,000 albums, so processing power not an issue for me
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biketony
93 posts
 
I’m in the camp of it all matters. But my digital front end is
36% streamer
64% DAC 
Innuos zenith mkiii 
Aqua La Scala mk2 optologic.

But it’s what worked for me. Tried more than a few DACs and streamers. But that’s part of the fun of it for me. Looking and listening. I’m lucky to have a audio salon in my area that will let me take home just about any of the items they carry for weeks at a time to audition in my home. 
Just one more reason to support the local audio stores. 
BTW... I used the word salon instead of store. Kinda makes me feel like I’m “all that” using words like that......lol
david_ten OP
5,480 posts
 
@thyname  I have the i7 SGC server. I need the extra horsepower.

Regarding the Zenith Mk3 unit, it was only in my system for a few hours. At that time, I found it to be a toss up between my front end and the Innous...power cables/LPSs were a factor. I've made adjustments to the power side of my front end...and it is now performing above where it was when the comparison was made. Would the Mk3 + Phoenix surpass it, I cannot say, but I believe what I have vs that combo will be close. Which points to the Statement as the next step, should I go with Innuos.
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