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Streamer/DAC

I think I have the computer thing figured out now, so what about an all-in-one DAC-Streamer Combo. I like the one box solution (in my case 2 boxes,  integrated amp, and as discussed).

One disadvantage is that I presume that there is not much chance of upgrading the DAC in a combo like this, so as technology changes you with miss the buss or fork out for new.

Any streamer/DAC combos that you've heard that you could live with forever for around $4K? I know mrklas likes his Moon 280D which is attractively priced.

With the popularity of R2R DACs are there any offered combined with a streamer?

high-amp
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 

Depending on what you need, an interesting solution could be the Chord Hugo 2 and 2Go combination.  These are separate devices that literally screw together.  The 2Go is a very nice streamer and I use the 2Go/2Yu separately with another system.  

This is on your budget.  Is very good sounding and if the Hugo 2 is replaced, there is a strong potential, it is likely the new unit would work with the 2Go.  The Mojo2 is coming and the Poly will work with it.  The other novelty is the device is completely portable and has a better than expected preamp stage and headphone amp in it.  

I use this combination all the time personally.  It is not quite in the same league as some of the more expensive DACs like the Bricasti M3 with Network Card but it is als $4K vs. $6.5k to $7.5k depending on features.  

I am obvioulsy a Chord and Bricasti dealer

 

high-amp OP
508 posts
 

With the help of this thread and all of your advice, I am tending to lean towards a Denafrips Pontus DAC and an ifi Stream for a total of $2900. Will this sound as good as a Cary DMS – 700? At half the price I guess I'll never know!

I'm still open to suggestions!

elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 

DAC = SALAD.

I just finished choosing my new to me CD Player with internal DACs (I don’t stream). I finally got lucky, couldn’t be happier.

I realized, these units are like Salads, main ingredient, with additives: chosen DAC(s), over-sampling, filters, anti-jitter, re-clock, vector shaping, ..... and the resultant sound is based on the mix as much as the chosen processor(s). And that resultant output mixed into your system/space.

Normally you cannot remove the additives, but a whole crowd of ’upgrading’ the additives exists.

Like any Phono Stage, I highly recommend trial/return privledges for DAC Salads.

nutty
2,668 posts
 

Here ya go. 

 

 

metaldetektor
148 posts
 

A number of DACs/streamers/combination DAC-streamers are physically modular, i.e. are upgradable. I tend to favor these. Sonnet, Bricasti, totaldac, aqua, MSB come to mind. So you don't have to dump/sell the box, if you want to update them.

 

FPGA DACs such as dCS and PS Audio can receive firmware updates over time, which is also a nice feature.

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