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Server/Streamer or Streamer/DAC?

Hi,
does anybody have any insight into which of the above two options is overall better (e.g. more Pros and/or less Cons) than the other one, including bang-for-the-buck considerations, points of evolution, flexibility, total cost of ownership, SQ, and many other criteria, anything that comes to your mind?
fiza
soix
10,180 posts
 
Go with a server/streamer like Innuos unless you love dealing with configuring computers, storage devices, etc.  The Innuos (or some others) lets you rip all your CDs easily and directly into its onboard storage so things like noise, optimization for audio, etc. are all taken care of.  DACs are more established and can be a very personal choice, so I’d recommend keeping that separate, which also makes upgrading easier in the future as technologies and formats evolve.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 
fiza OP
38 posts
 
@soix Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, it makes sense to keep DAC separate. There is a lot of things ongoing with brands like Topping, SMSL, Orchard, Gustard that according to many surpass $4000 DACs already for under $1000.On the other hand, many praise DAC Streamers like dCS Bartok which at $13500 is far from cheap, but..I thought that Innuos is only a music server and not a server/streamer like Antipodes EX or Wolf.
soix
10,180 posts
 
The Innuos units are streamers and servers and have disc drives so you can load CDs into them without any other equipment/hassle.  If in your budget I’d take a hard look at Wolf. 
jc51373
548 posts
 
What is it about the more expensive streamers that provide better quality sonics? Anyone want to tackle that one? 

I am in the process of considering adding a streamer to replace my Macbook (via usb) direct to my DAC. I just want to get to the bottom of the sonic improvement I'd be getting. I have a high end DAC (Rockna) and would add their streamer or something at that level. I just don't understand why, from a tech perspective, a high end streamer is better than a computer straight in via USB. 
jc51373
548 posts
 
What is it about the more expensive streamers that provide better quality sonics? Anyone want to tackle that one? 

I am in the process of considering adding a streamer to replace my Macbook (via usb) direct to my DAC. I just want to get to the bottom of the sonic improvement I'd be getting. I have a high end DAC (Rockna) and would add their streamer or something at that level. I just don't understand why, from a tech perspective, a high end streamer is better than a computer straight in via USB. 
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