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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In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated.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
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....
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Haha, easy pal. Ok, maybe 90% is more fair. Don’t get bent outta shape. Just one person’s opinion. You or anyone free to disagree and I’ll not chastise you : )

My main point was if I had 12k to spend on speakers and a streamer/ dac, I’d go 10/2, knowing I’d probably upgrade dac in 5 years but keep speakers 15. But other reasonable folks will disagree and I have no problem with that. Point wasn’t so much to finely compare dacs so perhaps the mention of percentages was distracting but it was only meant to make the larger point
erik_squires
16,058 posts
 
DAC’s have come a long ways since their introduction and in my mind have really improved the quality of CD reproduction. So to me they’re a lot more stable now than in the past.


The height of instability is in the streamer software, and integration with music services like Tidal/Amazon/Quboz/etc.. The truth is that music services come and go. iTunes for instance is going away, and Amazon music is now a thing.  Someone has to write the code that makes the streamer play with the new services, or keep up with the latest.


Even if you subscribe to a software service like Roon, they or the hardware partner may decide a streamer is now end-of-life and will no longer be supported.

My own solution right now is to use a dedicated music PC on the network, to hold the music and Roon core, along with Raspberry Pi playback devices where I need them, but clearly I’m a bit of a geek.


I think my own advice here is, don’t spend a lot on a streamer, because you have no idea how long it will work. Buy something affordable in 3-5 years you won’t cry if you have to throw it away because the software no longer supports modern services. Along these lines, the Mytek Brooklyn+ includes Roon support, and is a very nice DAC for $2k. If the roon support disappears, it’s still a very nice DAC. That’s the kind of price range I might still spring for a combined DAC/Streamer for.


Best,

E
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