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In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated.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
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,452 posts
 
“Software is stable and mature. Most systems are run off of Linux or Windows which are not going anywhere”.

I agree with @david_ten. I have been using Linux based streamer from Aurender for last 5 plus years. It’s easily one of the best investment I’ve made...they have kept their products relevant since their inception with consistent software updates and excellent customer support.

The choice of components typically driven by budget and your goals. Are you in for long haul or short haul? Short haul, node 2i will do just fine but if you’re in for long haul, explore quality driven offerings from Aurender, Lumin and Innuos.

As far as answering your question about future proofing - You could go on building your system one component at a time i.e separates that affords you the most flexibility or consider something like a DCS Bartok.
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
All Simaudio products are upgrade-able for both hardware and firmware and they have a 2 year buy back program for complete upgrades. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@soma70 Thanks for the advice; I had moved away from separate toward integrated, though now I’m surfing the web about some separates by PS Audio and the preamp includes the DAC, so maybe I’m back in your direction. I wonder which tube-preamp/DAC/streamer you like?

@jrwaudio — I hear you about "where are my glasses"! I am officially middle-aged, applying low-vision standards to my components! That said, I’ve got to just say it out loud: I like a volume knob, balance knob and even (gasp) a bass and treble knob. But they’re not dealbreakers.

@lalitk — agree about Linux. Regarding your question about short/long haul, I suppose the answer is this: lack of a large listening room to build out a system is causing me to rebuild/revise my present system in a modest way — with smaller speakers. A basement remodel is on the longer horizon, but in the meantime, I purchased good small speakers for my office and am now researching better source, power, etc. If and when I can transition to a larger listening space, I’ll have good source and power, and then may swap out speakers. I'll look harder at room acoustics and other issues (cables, etc.).
   The immediate challenge for me is to go step-wise. I just spent $2500 on new speakers and sub, and so I don’t want to spend a crazy amount on streamers before I figure out what good power might cost and which power matches best with my new speakers (they're getting built). I want to spend what’s proportionate on the other components, given the speakers. (I know this leads to a contentious topic, but personally, I’m comfortable spending about the same on source/DAC as speakers and on amplification as speakers, but not wildly more on any other main element of the system.) For these reasons, I’m not entertaining streamers that cost as much as what good power might.

Budget-wise, I suppose this works out (estimating *as if* they were separates):
$2500 on mains/sub (spent)
~ $1500 preamp (researching now)
~ $1500 amp (researching now)
~ $800 DAC (researching now)
~ ?? Streamer (researching now)

@skypunk I’ll look into Simaudio. Thank you!

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