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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
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,996 posts
 
BTW Many of the streamers/ Dacs in my list have a 30 day $$$ back warranty (if bought new) Obviously not when used. I'd still considered used though

Another concern is to have a digital coax out so as to hook my CDP into. Also, I only have 134 inches allotted space in my rack now. Depth is normal. The DACs on my list will fit in the space but some I have crossed off because they were too long for my space. That may have been the case with the Lumin

djones51
4,947 posts
 
The Benchmark DAC3 doesn’t have a streamer in any of the variations.
Auralic Aries G1 and G2 have streamers but not Dacs, the Vega G1 and G2 are streaming Dacs.
photomax
174 posts
 
You should spend an hour two looking into Roon in case that connects with you. There can be different hardware choices in this arena.

Do you just plan on streaming or do you think you will rip a collection of CDs and play them via some storage/delivery option?

Streaming is usually managed with an app on your phone or tablet. Some apps are better than others. Lumin makes a good one. Lumin hardware is also very solid.

Another option is Linn, a Scottish firm that makes high end stuff. The Linn app is called Kazoo. This is what I use. I stream Tidal, Qobuz and my favorite radio stations via TuneIn. The entry level Linn Majik DSM is a one box streamer, DAC and 90 watt amp. It is small, does not get hot and is well supported with updates. It costs $3000 new but there are used ones for less. Just connect an Ethernet cord and your speakers and you are good to go. You can also get the matching floor standing speakers M140s for $3000 which sound great with the Majik DSM. The benefit here is you can also use Linn’s great room EQ system called Space Optimization. 
Cheaper options are SONOS or Bluesound...
crn3371
224 posts
 
I’d recommend the Bluesound for your streamer, then spend the rest of your budget on a good DAC.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
artemus_5
 I like detail & PRaT.
Then stick with R2R dac regardless of what streamer you go for.
If you want streamer and dac in one box the you’ve made your bed a long time ago with Naim "PRat" sound, get a Naim ND 555 a PCM1704 based R2R dac
https://www.naimaudio.com/product/nd-555

DON"T!!!! ditch all your CD's, I've seen too many now want to reverse and can't and they just give up on audio as a hobby.

Cheers George
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