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To Stream or not to Stream

[A collective sign resonates from forum members upon seeing "Stream" in the title]  ...Before you run away, I read a number of threads dealing with streaming, so this is to ask about what I didn't learn.

I am trying to select a streaming option into my McIntosh DA2 DAC. I would like to stay south of $4k and get the best bang for my buck. It would be best if I could sit in the comfort of my chair with my MacBook, iPhone or iPad and control my music. I do not need a fancy screen on the component. They are nice, but I only care about the sound.

To make a decision / purchase I hope to get answers to the following:

  1. I have a CD collection, but none are HD. Why do people rip CDs when all of those CDs can be streamed from music services? I have Tidal and want to drop it for Qobuz. Learning more about the burning CD topic will help narrow down if should go with a ripper / streamer combo. 
  2. I can't find much on my DA2 DAC but assume it's top notch being from McIntosh? Consensus? How do I know if I should use it versus another streamer option with its own DAC?
  3. It appears that a USB connection is needed for DSD512 (basically the most demanding formats)? I can't find much on this but many of the recommended streamers on this site do not always have USB-out, which is confusing at some of the high price points!?
  4. Is DSD only achieved from ripping CDs?
  5. What are people doing to stream DSD512 or other formats of this quality? 
  6. I haven't seen anyone recommend the Roon Nucleus? If I'm not going to rip CDs, is it one to add to my consideration list?

This would be easy if I had money... Aurender ACS10 if I want to rip or N20, up. Others as well at these price points.

I see used N100s here... maybe that's my answer unless I want to rip. The Innuos is intriguing, but you have to buy a separate power supply... I just want to get this right the first time and be happy. I'm already gun-shy of making another purchase mistake like the new Bluesound Node 2i I need to sell... It's only a mistake because it does not do USB-out (as of this post) or support the formats I wish to stream to my DA2. Not a fan of its software either. 

Thank you!


128x128izjjzi
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,118 posts
 
@izjjzi,

I would go with ACS100, being a newer product; it has all the latest enhancements. Having an isolated power supply is huge plus, IMO. Having owned N100H, N10 and N20, I can say confidently that ACS100 doesn’t short change you in SQ. And you can have upto 8TB of storage in ACS100.

As far as ripping goes, I have yet to come across any errors in reading discs. If the disc is unreadable, the ACS100 will spit out the disc (like it does for single layer SACD’s).

As far as experiencing the best quality, it’s very subjective in my opinion and largely depends on the DAC and rest of components in the signal chain.
izjjzi's avatar
izjjzi OP
102 posts
 
@lalitk The only thing that makes me balk at the ACS100 is what Aurender's site says about it:
best sound quality is achieved when using an N100H, N100C, N100SC, N10, A100, A10, A30 or W20SE Aurender music server / streamer as the main player
They pretty much say the same about the ACS10:
However, the highest audio performance is realized when using the ACS10 mated with models A10, N10 or W20
...which I'm just reading now. This is what I mean by paralysis. Just when I'm about ready to make a purchase another detail derails me. In writing, Aurender is admitting you will not get the best sound unless you pair it with one of their dedicated streamers. Seriously wtf? Transparency is nice, but now off to a deeper dive on the competition. There must be at least one offering that covers all bases? If the only way to achieve this is to spend far north of my target...ugh. This quest was fun up until now. It is far from straight forward.

I need a Baskin-Robbins...
rsf507
2,245 posts
 
OP what flavor?
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,869 posts
 
they have Rocky Road, you are on it……
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,869 posts
 
seriously, the DAC is more important than the streamer….but you also need a streamer company with longevity and a history of well executed software updates…

This is where IMO a solid relationship with supporting dealer is essential….

Have fun. The reality is there is so much quality gear out there and in a constant state of flux / improvement that the LaGrange point optimal solution you seek…does not exist…

i like Pistachio Almond, full disclosure..
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