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Which combination of components (Streamer, DAC, Preamp, Amp, etc.) are most future-proof?

Hi all,

I’m in the process of gently upgrading my older, mid-fi system. I’ve started with speakers (Salk WOW1’s, REL 328 sub). I recognize that the amplification, cables, room, and source all need investment.

I’m focusing first on source(s) and how to serve them up. While I have a decent CD collection, mostly I’ve been streaming my music from ripped MP3 files and Spotify. I no longer have a working CD player. I know that higher resolution sources (lossless files or high quality streaming) is important. Re-ripping my collection may become a project.

So, here’s my question — a lot of reading has shown me a dizzying range of ways to go. Music servers/streamers, DAC, preamp, amp are available in many combinations. I’d like quality but am not inclined to spend tens of thousands of dollars; I resist going the "separates" route for *every* piece. So which combinations make the most sense? A streamer/DAC? A preamp/DAC? An integrated amp/DAC? Something else?

In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated. So, for example, if DAC’s are likely to evolve quickly, then I’d like my integrated amp to not be weighed down by a DAC which would too quickly become a vestigial organ inside it.

To reiterate the question: What combination components would best help out with some portion of the sequence of serving--converting--amplifying--digital sources materials while avoiding too-rapid obsolescence?

Thanks for entertaining the question. Again, I’ve read a lot, but it’s not made my path clear. (Or maybe I just get a PS Sprout and call it a day?)

Dave
128x128hilde45
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Yep, that’s why if at all possible it is best to audition as many things as possible before purchasing. Serves two purposes: 1) offers better chance that you’ll make more informed decision according to your unique sonic preferences based on comparative results; and 2) offers some comfort that you’ve already experienced what’s out there so less ’upgraditis’ pull, I’ve found ...
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Let me illustrate via a story. I live just outside of New Orleans. We have to deal with local flooding and pooling in front of our home, often. 2 feet of water! On the street! Unless you have 'lifted' your Jeep or SUV, vehicles need to be up off the street. 

The reason: the short intake pipes on the street are much, much larger in diameter than the lengthy out-take drainage pipes leading to the drainage canal. Clever engineering, right. : )

Think of the flooding in front of my home as equivalent to the sonic results closest to your ears. Speakers are what your ears are closest to. The drain opening into that canal is distant, but it sure has a bearing and impact on what you experience in front of the home.

Kren, along with so many on the forum, essentially provides the same clever "engineering" solution. 

The front end matters. Go out and listen to a well implemented front end with basic speakers. Then listen to a basic front end with "high end" speakers. 

I can share example after example of systems where the money is in the speakers yet everything in front can't and does not deliver what those speakers are capable of. It's a mistake so many love making and are proud of.

My general advice: take care of the source... in your case source through preamp. There is no need to shy away from or be concerned about an all in one front end (Streamer+DAC+Preamp). 

I'm currently evaluating a Streamer-DAC-Preamp and it is showing up my separates, with ease. : )
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@kren good suggestion for avoiding upgrade-itis. Audition, audition, audition.

@david_ten I like this advice: "Go out and listen to a well implemented front end with basic speakers. Then listen to a basic front end with "high end" speakers."

I might try a simpler variation of that: bring speakers I know well to a store and try out different front end equipment with it so a variable is eliminated.

kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Everyone will have preferences, and ideas on how to partition a budget.

Of course everything matters in the absolute.

The hard part is getting the best sound from the whole for a given budget.

I’d argue the best $2k dac/streamer can get 97% of the performance of a $10k dac streamer (give or take, you get the point), but the best $2k speakers will pale in comparison to the best $10k speakers when paired with that best $2k dac.

Just my opinion. Not here to argue. YMMV


Problem is, today’s best $2k dac is not tomorrow’s best $2k dac; but today’s best $10k speaker more likely (than the dac, anyway) to be tomorrow’s best $10k speaker (to extent that even quantifiable). That’s my point, and get’s to what OP was asking about re obsolecense.

My first post I suppose was in some sense broader than what OP was asking.  He was interested in amps/pre/source and I kinda broadened it out to whole system because I think you have to look at everything all at once even if only tweaking portion of system, if only to convince yourself you aren't going down a fruitless path
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Not an "argument." Plain wrong!


I’d argue the best $2k dac/streamer can get 97% of the performance of a $10k dac streamer

97% ...Seriously. How are you coming up with these numbers? Based on which components? How broad is your sample?

It's your statement. Support it....
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