2. amps-preamps
  3. 154061-139155

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In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated.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
erik_squires
16,061 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
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
A guess does not informed opinion make. What you stated is false.

 Importantly, it is a disservice to the forum community.

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

Ok, maybe 90% is more fair.

Since you have not backed up, nor supported, your claim, the only assumption I can make is that your claim is conjecture...a disservice to the word, given the definition.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
The height of instability is in the streamer software, and integration with music services.... The truth is that music services come and go.

Software is stable and mature. Most systems are run off of Linux or Windows which are not going anywhere. The next layer (Media Server and Output software) are also well established and supported. 
erik_squires
16,061 posts
 
Software is stable and mature.

Not possible for reasons outlined above.

I don’t mean it’s bug free, hopefully most of it is reliable. What I mean is that it is the services we want to connect to that are constantly changing. As hardware ages, and services change, disappear, etc. the hardware may become literally unusable except as a CD storage device. iTunes is gone, Tidal almost went under last year.

Preamps and amps, we’re still using the same standards for them all the way back to the 1970’s. Speakers, same. Even the longevity of a DAC has been established. You could pick up the first DCS ring DAC and play music today.

And being in the audiophile market is a really risky business for anyone.

To use the BluRay player / streamer as an analog, Oppo is gone, I thought they’d be here forever. I think Netflix still works on Oppo, but forget about any new services. There’s no Sling, no Disney+.  On the other hand, my Roku was $99 and if the company goes under, I'm off to the next thing.


So, my point is, again, that the streamer is the thing that is most likely to be aged out of your system. Even if you buy from a company that has been around forever (naim) there’s no guarantee when they will end of life your current streamer.


Best,

E
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
It's near impossible to reason people out of their fears and ignorance, so I won't. : )


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