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Higher End DACs

I am looking for a DAC (potentially streamer&DAC) to be paired in a mcintosh system (c1100/611). Its my first foray into digital streaming and I have no need for a CD player.

I see a lot of love for Esoteric, however, most seems to be around their transports? Are they not as renowned for pure digital streaming and/or standalone DACs? I see DCS (for instance) often referenced for standalone DACs - how does Esoteric compare?
ufguy73
rego
378 posts
 
@ufguy73, A common question ... different directions are a quirk in development.
Streaming / Pre / DAC is common ... Look at the description for Pre Box
S2 digital.
Also for another version: https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/stream-box-s2/ ... for consideration.
Another example would be Hugo TT2 includes a Headphone Amp otherwise pure DAC.

In the example of T+A choose the Streaming DAC and use your existing Pre ... or T+A SDV-3100 Pre Streaming DAC for streaming ... you have to decide which sounds best to you.
ufguy73 OP
51 posts
 
@djones51@rego

thanks guys - i was confused by the nomenclature...

but it looks like the streamer+DAC+preamp is only $2500 more than the streamer+DAC (at least according to a review)?
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The Streamer/Dac looks to be $35,000, the streamer/dac/pre $37,500.

https://www.thecableco.com/components/digital.html?dir=desc&order=price

ufguy73 OP
51 posts
 
Are there any reasons why, for only 2500 more, one shouldnt go ahead and get what many seem to think is a great preamp?
djones51
4,947 posts
 
If I was spending that much not really, maybe if you already had the T+A preamp or one comparable. 
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