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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
khiak
66 posts
 
Just like OP, I was looking for a streamer/DAC. I have been following this tread and learn a lot on the ongoing discussions. Based on @audiotroy recommendation to OP on the T + A SDV3100 HV, I bought the SD3100 HV and expected delivery next week. I am brand new in streaming and need help on the best way to setup the system.
I have a 80 feet CAT7 cable from the router to my music room. I want to use Roon and Tidal. I have a 6 years old Macbook Pro and a iPad Pro. 

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@khiak  First, congratulations on your T+A SDV 3100 HV.

Since you are "new [to] streaming" ... as a starting point I recommend going with Tidal first. That is Tidal direct, versus going through Roon.

The SDV can accept Tidal Direct wireless or via your CAT7 cable from your router. You can control Tidal via your iPadPro (using Tidal's App)  OR directly via the T+A Control App which offers Tidal, qobuz, Deezer, control.
khiak
66 posts
 
@david_ten many thanks for your recommendations. Shall keep to Tidal. Is the Tidal app more user friendly than the Tidal in the T + A Control App.? By the way I bought the SD as I have a preamp. 
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@khiak I expect the Tidal App on your iPad will be vastly superior and I encourage you to use it.

The T+A app will allow for simple control of Tidal.

I have the SDV. Congrats on the SD!!!
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,764 posts
 
David and Khiak,

Guys you haven’t scratched the surface of the T+A SDV 3100 true performance. We have compared the built in streamer vs USB via the Innous Statement and the USB sounds way better as well as allowing full high resolution digital signals. The Innous will allow up to DSD 128 with other servers  the Dac can actually process DSD 1024 natively which no other dac on the planet can do!

There was a European review which they used a high end server running HQ player which allowed the reviewer to actually hear DSD 1024 which was a mind blowing experience. We will be upgrading our Laufer Technik Memory Player to allow for this, we will also be searching the market to find a high end server that can run fast enough to do this as well.

Also the Critical Mass Centerstage footers will also elevate the performance even further.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ T+A and Innous dealers
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