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Streamer/DAC - Where is the value?

I currently have ($10K) Olympica Nova II speakers, ($11K) McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp and a (~$1.5K) Cambridge Audio 851N network player. The weak link here seems to be the Cambridge unit. 

I'm prepared to upgrade my streamer/DAC situation and my budget is about $4-6K. Although there are SO many options out there and it's tough to tell where I'll find the most value. My assumption is that the DAC is going to play a much larger part in sound quality than the Streamer. I play music primarily through Tidal. I don't have requirements for server storage or any other sophisticated source capabilities. 

Many of the network players come with a pre-amp which I am assuming I should rule immediately. That pre-amp would be taking a share of the overall budget. On the other hand I was thinking maybe I should buy separates. I could max out the DAC and get something good enough for the streaming. Or even continue to use the Cambridge if I really wanted. Having a beautiful screen on a good looking streamer would be nice but seems like lower priority in terms of bang for buck.

Curious to hear people's thoughts. Are there any specific units anyone would recommend as either an all in one network player or as separates? The Auralic ALTAIR G2.1 seems like the ideal all in one but it's at the very peak of my budget.

Thanks!

128x128jpearson3131
surfmuz
404 posts
 

Definitely try to go separates road. Besides better SQ it will give you more flexibility in the future. Consider Qobuz, cause Tidal with their MQA kind a limits you to MQA enabled DACs (only if highest res of Tidal important for you). Your budget is fine, you could get nice Lumin, Auralic or Aurrender streamer with nice R2R or Tube DAC. Another suggestion- get your streamer hard wired with your router using well shielded Cat-7 or 8 LAN cable. 

soix
9,730 posts
 

My assumption is that the DAC is going to play a much larger part in sound quality than the Streamer.

I disagree with this IME.  Initially I thought the same thing, but everything in the streaming chain from switches to cables to streamers, for whatever reason, seems to make a big difference.  Toward that end, I’d buy a separate streamer and DAC as both technologies are progressing quickly so the flexibility to upgrade one when a meaningful improvement occurs in the other you can just upgrade that and keep the other.  And I’d recommend spending around 50/50 on the DAC and streamer to keep it balanced.  You could do something like a Lumin streamer and a Gustard R26 DAC and have a really great combo that doesn’t break the bank and will likely be a significant upgrade over the Cambridge.  Just one option to ponder, and best of luck. 

jb1
97 posts
 

Maybe I am missing something in this thread but the MA 9000 has a high quality DAC built in. I would think a streamer with a bit perfect digital out should be all that is needed for excellent sound.

hankk's avatar
hankk
23 posts
 

Perhaps keeping the Cambridge and changing to a different dac? Currently using a Bluesound Node2 for its dependability but outputting to Schitt Yggdrasil GS at the moment and like what I’m hearing . I like the ability to change out the dac  to experiment with the different characteristics of other units.

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,306 posts
 

@mahler123 

 

“ ,,,Bryston’s DAC is fantastic.  The streamer sounds great but has the worst software management program imaginable.  I would avoid.,,”
 

you have a valid point ..,, the Manic Moose freebee software is clumsy with room for improvement 

EZ PZ FIX: RIGELIAN 3rd party app .., $5 a month subscription …. Problem solved … done!

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