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Another person going digital and full of questions

I'm yet another new member trying to figure out the digital streaming world.  I've been streaming Tidal and Idagio from my desktop computer through an RME ADI-2 dac and into various headphones for a while.  Now I'd like to add digital streaming on my main system.  I'm just looking for a source that would provide streaming services to my existing preamp (Audible Illusions) amp (Audio Research) and speakers (Wilson Benesch Act 1).  I'm looking for something to complement my other sources, a VPI turntable and a Rega CD player and Benchmark 1 DAC.  I don't want to rip my CDs or play any stored music files.  So far, I'm learning that there are more recent and better DACs out there than the old Benchmark, and that I should consider a quieter box than my computer to connect to ethernet.  But I'm lost in a sea of streamers, servers, reclockers, power supplies, etcetera, most with unfamiliar brand names.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.  budget in the $5k range but can stretch a little.

mattchanoff
soix
9,854 posts
 

I don't want to rip my CDs or play any stored music files.

Why?  Your budget could get you an Innuos Zenith Mk3 streamer/server that has its own built-in disc drive so you can just feed your CDs into it and it does everything else.  Then, in addition to having a top-notch streamer you’ll also have access to all your CDs from your chair.  Not sure what’s not to like about that, but to each his own.  Just a thought, and best of luck. 

mattchanoff OP
11 posts
 

Thanks, but the Zenith would use up my whole budget, just about, and I'm perfectly content taking my CDs out of the closet and putting them in the machine.  Plus, a lot of them are my own or other's recordings, I doubt song titles titles written on a piece of paper will show up on Roon.   Even if those things worked, the prospect of feeding 1500 CDs into a slot one after another is dispiriting.

 

ghdprentice
7,414 posts
 

Streaming has become my main stream. I recommend a Aurender streamer. I own two, it is a game changer. Ripping CDs is a waste of time in todays world. I wound get a Aurender N100 to start. It should be a huge improvement. Then stop, enjoy and think about a new DAC later.

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