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Can anyone recommend a good streamer/DAC?

I have tried streaming on an Astell& Kern Kann Cube and love it. Now looking for a streamer DAC combo (or  both integrated in one box) to put on the rack with my living room system. I have read good things about the Cambridge Audio 851n and their CXN v2; $1,500 and $1,100, respectively. Also about the Bryston BDA-3.14, at $4,200. I am willing to pay for good quality sound and at the same time I worry that the technology may be moving fast enough that as with computers and HDTVs there will be a much better version available soon for a lot less money. Anybody know if Cambridge Audio or Bryston has anything new in the works for streamer/DACs? All recommendations will be much appreciated.
kevin1956
mazian's avatar
mazian
412 posts
 
I had the CXN and while the SQ was very good the controlling software via the app was useless, particularly if you listen to classical music.
mickeyb
585 posts
 
Any lumin steamer/ dac. 
bailyhill's avatar
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bailyhill
53 posts
 
I had a Mytek Manhattan II and it was excellent.  Sold it and bought a Meridian Ultra Dac.  I figure it was advanced enough that it was not going to be outdated in my lifetime.  (I am 75 years young).  Moved up from a Naim.  The sound is the best I have experienced.
big_greg
6,665 posts
 
The TEAC NT-505 is right around your budget if you can sell your blue ound and get about three hundred bucks for it.

Having compared the teac to the option of adding a much more expensive DAC to the bluesound, I preferred the sound quality of the teac.

The Orchid is a really nice unit, and it's what I use in my computer system. Just realize that its output is limited to 16 bits and it won't do DSD or MQA.
kairosman's avatar
kairosman
295 posts
 
Cambridge CXN V2 is warmish sounding and IMHO would synergize with your existing system. It will hold 75% of its value in the used market if you take care of it when you eventually upgrade your system.
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