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Question re: DAC with network/streaming capability

Hi all, looking at revamping my digital front end, which comprises Meridian 206 CD player, Linn Majik DS digital streamer plus Oppo UDP-205 BD player.

My goal is to add music server/streamer capabilities while improving overall SQ while replacing Meridian & Linn.

Seriously considering Innuos Zenith mk3 given the rave review AND the facts that it ticks a few boxes: Network streamer, music server, CD ripping, supports for Roon & MQA.

Questions:

1: While Zenith does offer codec for different formats such as FLAC, AAC, MQA as well as network streaming for Tidal, Qubuz etc, can I simply focus on possibly older DAC/SACD+DAC combo (such as dCS Debussy or Playback Designs MPS-5) as long as it supports PCM and DSD over PCM (DoP), which are the output formats from Zenith?

2: IF I do get one of the newer/top end DAC like dCS Bartok where it DOES support FLAC/AAC. When I play files stored in Zenith, will I be using the Codec from Bartok or Zenith?

3: Being greedy here, IS there any device out there that incorporates the function of SACD transport/DAC/Streamer/Music server in one box while offering comparable SQ as per above combo?
alecela
badger_erich's avatar
badger_erich
128 posts
 
Teac NT-505. Has Esoteric genes.
alecela OP
13 posts
 
@pgaulke60 I actually love the sounds of linn but really wants to simplify the equipment counts hence the current thought of zenith for riper/music server/steamer all in one. 
mahler123
3,253 posts
 
New to the thread.  I think the OP has a fairly decent system.  He would benefit from a better DAC and he wishes to stream and he also plays SACDs.  I would look strongly at the Bryston piece that combines their DAC3 with their BDP3 streamer.  The DAC has HDMI inputs, so he can play the DSD from his SACDS using the Oppo as a transport 
alecela OP
13 posts
 
Actually I left out the rest of my system:   It's passlabs x1 feeding passlabs X250.5 driving Magnepan 3.7i.  

Tx for the suggestion on the Bryston, I intend take my time in terms of auditioning and choosing the right DAC.      
djones51
4,947 posts
 
You would want to check and make sure the DAC HDMI works with the OPPO HDMI. I don't know about Bryston but there is no standard using HDMI interfaces for audio it might be an I2S on the DAC. 
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