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Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?

$2k & under budget

Aralic Vega has streamer  and DAC. May be the easiest start?
Then there is Schiit...Yiggy or Gumby...which streamer?
Ladder NOS dac? Or Chip? I'm old. maybe I'll like the old school DAC?
Then there is  Benchmark DAC 3...I think it has streamer?
Then
Exasound E32
Audio Mirror?
Metrum
MHDT Orchid
Border Patrol?
Musical Paradise?
Whats a newbie to do? I am a classic rock fan with lots of FLAC & M4a files. I like detail & PRaT. Love a good bass line. I also play some 70's jazz. I have a Theta Miles CD player from the 1900's & play a lot of vinyl too. But I need to come into the 21st century.  Besides, I will probably become tired of the vinyl ritual and work at some point as I get older. I think I have done enough homework to be somewhat confused. Maybe the biggest question in light of how fast digital changes is the question of streamer with DAC or separate Streamer and DAC. One other question is the streamer & bridge the same thing? OK Thanks!! 
artemus_5
photomax
174 posts
 
Tell us more about your amplification and speakers? Do you have a separate phono stage for your turntable? Is your cartridge a MM or MC? Best to keep these factors in mind as you narrow your choices.

Are you willing to buy used? Are you willing to try a cheaper option for a year or two and upgrade later or do you want a forever system now?

Check our John Darko’s site for a primer on DACs and the different flavors they come in. 
Folks will just toss out model names for you. But I would read more, take your time and listen to some options at dealerships if possible...
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,800 posts
 
@artemus_5,

Here are couple of recommendation assuming you already have a preamp/amp or integrated amp.

Lumin D2 Streamer / DAC - $2300
http://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-d2.html

Innuos Zen Mini + PSU - $1898
http://www.innuos.com/en/catalog/go/zenmini-mk3-1tb-lpsu

Bluesound Node 2i -$549
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node/

Both Lumin and Innuos will give you a very nice sound quality. Since you’re accustomed to Vinyl sound, you don’t want to settle for a subpar digital experience. The third option, Bluesound is a entry level streamer with a average sounding onboard DAC. Lot of folks, including myself heard the uptick in sound quality when Node 2i paired with an outboard DAC. This option also give you a flexibility to cherry pick a DAC of your choice. One of my favorite DAC in your price range is Ayre Codex,

https://www.ayre.com/product/codex-headphone-amplifier/

All of these streamers offers app that’s very intuitive and easy to follow.

Good luck!
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,996 posts
 
@photomax
Thanks. My system is listed here on Agon. Pictures need update to show the tube amp, new CJ CT5 pre and the 2 sumiko subs. 

I'm always ready to buy used in good shape, especially when entering an arena. I don't want the forever DAC right now but I want to go higher than the Bluesound. My system deserves this I believe since i have good source equip now.. I've been reading for a couple weeks now but have not read the Darko article which sounds helpful. I think i know that the ladder Dac has more feel/ soul where the chip has more detail. Obviously thats a little over simplified. thanks

@lalitk 

Thanks for the input also. I had played with the idea of a Bluesound just for streaming to a good DAC. I've read good things about all ones you mention as well. the Innuous was the last that I encountered. By that time I figured i needed a break. BTW is that just a DAC w/ power supply?
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Aralic Vega has streamer and DAC
Not true unfortunately, the Vega is DAC only, albeit a very good one.
Auralic Altair is the streaming DAC unit at just $1700 brand new and about $1000 used.

Lumin D1 or D2 is a streaming DAC too, possibly all you need.
I kick myself still as I was offered a D1 for $1000 and turned it down.
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