Amplifier or Receiver

I reached analysis paralysis on the DAC front (as I did with speakers a while back) and just went with a personal ratio of good reviews and cost. Bang for the buck type of thing. 

This site measures lots of DACs and sang praises for the Topping. 

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-d90-balanced-usb-dac-review.10519...

This will be my first external DAC in some time, so I don't have much for comparison. But I think DACs, unlike perhaps speakers which can be so subjective in terms of differences and personal presences, are good candidates for straight measurements. 

Hi raindog69,

What will you use the DAC for? I basically need to convert my TV digital signal to analog. I use Amazon fire stick (connected directly to the TV) for Spotify streaming and Youtube.

So, is it worthwhile to spend $700 on the Topping dac or should I go for Modi3 for $100 or even Cambridge Dacmagic for $200. Cambridge also sells CXN V2  Network Audio Streamer for $1100 (with good reviews) which includes dac.

I earlier got great advise from willand for choosing the Yamaha a-s2100 amp. but don't know anything about DACs.

My use case is a bit different - it's not home theater, but instead pure 2 channel stereo. I stream Qobuz from a Bluesound Node 2i. The Node has an internal DAC but I believe I'll do better with an external DAC. I may also bypass my CD player's DAC and run that through the Topping DAC, too.

I can't say whether the Topping will sound better for your purposes than the Schiit or Cambridge. But the measurements, if you put weight in those, are very strong on the Topping. 

I have (actually will have by early next week):

1. Klipsch Cornwall IV horn based speakers
2.Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier
3. Yamaha BD-A1060 Blu ray player

I will also connect my TV and with it Amazon FireTV Stick to stream Spotify and Youtube.

What DAC should I get to play music via Firestick Tv?  I hope that Spotifi streamed through it will play well with a DAC? Or should I get a Music Streamer with a DAC instead of Firestick?

How much should I budget for a DAC or Music Streamer/DAC and which one is recommended?


 

Id try the DAC in the Blu Ray player first to see if it suits your ears. A separate Dac should provide superior sound but I would assess your new system as it stands before throwing another item into the mix.