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.
Are all the things you described in that post what you hear on your speaker system now? Or only on your headphone system? I assume you must be getting that on one or the other or both? |
I’m a heretic around here but streamers and DACs are your least important components in your system with a caveat, the UI should be something that works well and is intuitive for you to use. Not that you shouldn’t strive for good equipment but I wouldn’t obsess over them. You say you like your RME DAC and I can see that it’s a very good one, lots of use in pro audio. I’ve used a lot of UI’s and always come back to roon. It does more than most when you take in account it’s DSP functions as well as server and streaming. You can use a raspberry pi 4 as an endpoint connected to your DAC or any number of other compatible hardware. Main thing is don’t get caught up in price when it comes to DAC’S and streamers, save your obsession for things that matter like speakers and room treatments. |
@djones51 My audiophile friend here in CO has a raspberry pi also, but has an excellent DAC (Holo May) and both the DAC and the streamer have LPS. He also favors Roon. |
I think comparing the cost of good to exceptional digital components vs. good to exceptional analog components is something to take note of. I would think spending $5K to $6K on an analog system would get someone good to exceptional sound that will not be outclassed down the road 10-15 years. But I think spending $5K to $6K on a digital system will only give good to exceptional sounding for 5 years at best ....before it will be outclassed and out performed by better chips and designed audio gear. About 2005 the Benchmark DAC1 was a great DAC for about $1K. By 2011 Chord, Weiss, Audio Note, Cambridge Audio, Lampizator and many other companies came out with exceptional sound DACs. The Chinese gear that is coming out now, I think ,is proving that quality digital sound is changing fast IMHO. |
