I have a lifetime Roon subscription that I use on a Mac.
DAC + NAS streamer combo (NOT Tidal/Qobuz etc)
Hi, I’m looking for a stereo DAC and streamer that can stream from my local NAS server. I DON’T care about Tidal/Qobuz and all that crap: just my own music. An example is an Exasound e32/Sigma Streamer combo (I have their e38 + Sigma and it works beautifully). I’ll connect to the streamer through a Roon core running on my Mac. Budget 3-4K. Used ok. Recommendations please?
Most important to me is that the DAC be as neutral as possible (and of course work with Roon). All the ones I looked at that are Roon-reconnected on their website are for hi-res streaming and seem to have a lot of bells and whistles with touch screens and other junk. I want a basic but high quality DAC.
Am connecting it to a Pass Labs xp32 preamp, First Watt j2 amp and Tannoy speakers. Listen exclusively to classical and jazz.
Thanks!!!
Most important to me is that the DAC be as neutral as possible (and of course work with Roon). All the ones I looked at that are Roon-reconnected on their website are for hi-res streaming and seem to have a lot of bells and whistles with touch screens and other junk. I want a basic but high quality DAC.
Am connecting it to a Pass Labs xp32 preamp, First Watt j2 amp and Tannoy speakers. Listen exclusively to classical and jazz.
Thanks!!!
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- 25 posts total
Technics ST-C700 streamer = 1100 USD Budget = 3000 to 4000 USD Cost Savings = 1900 to 2900 USD https://almaaudio.com/products/technics-st-c700-network-audio-player?_pos=1&_sid=14d50c2a2&_ss=r |
@ssmaudio Roon doesn't actually deliver audio to your DAC, unless the Roon Core (your Mac) is connected to your DAC via a USB audio connection. In all other cases you still need a Roon "receiver" for the Roon Core to send the music data to, and that receiver then either renders it as analog audio if it is a DAC, or the receiver outputs it as digital audio to your DAC. So when you wrote "I’ll connect to the streamer through a Roon core running on my Mac" I think we all assumed that meant connecting to a Roon Ready receiver that is on the same network as your Mac. |
@ssmaudio the Exasound Sigma is your network streamer already. It's just not a DAC + streamer, since it only outputs digital audio. Functionally, there is no advantage to you purchasing something else given you already have the Sigma network streamer and e32 DAC. But if you want a single box, or something that sounds different/better, or supports some other feature, then it makes sense to look at other options. |
- 25 posts total