Streamer and DAC for Mcintosh MC462 and C22


Hi I have been upgrading my system.  

I have an MC462 Amp, C22 Pre and Revel 228BE speakers.

Currently I am running a node 2 into a Berkeley Alpha dac 2 for streaming.

I am going to upgrade these 2 and I am trying to decide what to buy.  

Either a 1 piece combo like a Lumin or a streamer and dac.  

My budget is 10 to 15K.

Some of the Dacs I have been looking at:

Chord TT2 and M scaler
Aqua 
Lumin S1 or X1
Total Dac

Streamers include:

Lumin U1or U1 mini
Moon Mind 2
Auralic G1 or G2
Innuos

I would say I lean more toward analog sound.  I would like something I can listen to without fatigue.

Basically question 1 - 1 box or 2?

And what to buy ?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.




efoo
I don’t use the Bartok as a preamp, but I do think it sounds great and the networking works really well. It’s an excellent DAC. 
I ordered the Bartok yesterday... will try it with the C22 and without.

The combination of 1 box plus long product life cycle made it a worthwhile investment.

Plus I got a great price on one that was in stock so I should have it this week.

I will report back when I have had a chance to break it in.
Please do post your impressions and congrats, I certainly hold DCS in high esteem
enjoy the music!!!!
Th Bartok arrived and sounds wonderful.  I am very happy with the purchase now I have to figure out if I need the C22 in the chain or just use the Bartok as the pre.  


I would look at:

Chord Dave
MScaler
Lumin U1 or U1 Mini

Good luck in your choices...