Suggestions for a top flight streamer/Dac around the $2000 mark?

I’ve tried a few from Wireworld, Pangea, Audioquest, and Curious. They all sounding the same in my system. I was always using Auralic streamers (Aries G1, Aries, and Mini) into various USB DACs. The Auralics have optical & coax outputs too, and those sounded no different than using USB, in my case.

I lean more of the side of the DAC making all the difference, and the streamer is more of what user interface you prefer. Use whatever cable looks and feels best too, that is always my preference! :)

I

lean more of the side of the DAC making all the difference, and the streamer is more of what user interface you prefer. Use whatever cable looks and feels best too, that is always my preference! :)

If you believe that why wouldn't you just use chromecast audio with minimserver or a Node 2i into whatever DAC you like? Why spend big bucks on Auralic? Not being confrontational, just curious.

Oz

After talking with Grannyring and hearing quite a few recommendations I went with one of his double smoked USB cables, be here next week so we will see then.

So have you compared USB to other inputs on your DAC? I have a cheap monoprice cable coming tomorrow to try between my Lumin and MHDT DAC. I am more curious than anything never having used USB into a DAC before.

Oz

See the product report (Monoprice Monolith) by Duster at the link here.  Previously posted to the "Help in deciding USB cable" thread.  Ridiculously high performance to cost ratio. If you don't like 'em, you can afford to just throw them out. On the other hand the seller does allow returns. Comments on my own experience with them included in the AudioAsylum thread.  I now have 1 meter running from Seagate HD to Aries Mini and 2 meters running from Mini to Schiit Eitr.  (then Blackcat Silverstar 75 from Eitr to Schiit Gungnir MB.)

https://www.audioasylum.com/audio/cables/messages/17/176921.html