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.
@cat_doorman that’s exactly right, great description, you nailed it! Nice dose of humor too.
When starting with digital, one should start it slow, inexpensive, and built from there, once gaining knowledge and familiarity with the sound. And build from there, if the hobby still interests you, and the budget is available |
well done well said @cat_doorman i would only add that by steps 3-4, iterating there, one should look carefully that their networking and system noise management to get the most out of their streamer and dac upgrades in their digital system, certainly if one plays with standalone dacs in the >$3000 level |
@cat_doorman , thanks that makes sense to me, and thanks everyone for your input. I'm going to follow this advice with the Bluesound and borrow my RME ADI-2 DAC from the office to try that combination. I'll get used to that and then compare other DACs to see if there's an upgrade worth having. |
1. Started with the Node using internal DAC...sounded great 2. Added a Qutest (w/ SBooster) to the Node...sounded better 3. Tried Aurender N150 with Qutest... didn't notice improvement in SQ and didn't love Aurender OS vs BluOS. 4. Currently auditioning a La Volce S3 with Node...sounds better than Qutest/Node combo Journey continues...and enjoying every minute of it!
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Be always liked the less mainstream audio products like NAIM. The build quality is amazing and DAC quite good. |
