Chord Qutest on battery power with some nice cables changed my life. I use it near field on desktop speaker setup, but it's a modular setup and can be connected to the bigger system when I feel like doing so. It's a bit north of 1k, but a good value used. Regardless, I still use and love the vinyl sound. |
@dhcod - What are you going to stream? Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify? Just curious. I just purchased a WIIM Mini streamer for $89 from Amazon. Super easy to use. Will stream Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and most other services. I'm using it connected via its optical digital output to my DAC and it sounds pretty darn good. Have not tried it using it's internal DAC. But heck, it's really inexpensive and if you don't like it, send it back to Amazon. |
Lacking a DAC the latest Bluesound would be a good way to go. Put the remaining $4-500 into DAC piggybank for a future upgrade. Another option would be to purchase the ifi Zen streamer for $400 and purchase a used DAC. There are many that come up used here and other sites that represent great value. |
