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

So many amazing replies here! I’m leaning my investment into a great DAC first and streamer second. My inclination is separates because I don’t ever think I’ll be done messing around with equipment.

That being said, the Auralic Vega G2.1 is at the top of my list right now. From what I gather the cost is going primarily into the DAC. Auralic makes a separate dedicated digital transport, so the Vega is really all about the DAC which has streaming capabilities. One of the industry people I follow, John Darko, places this DAC near the top of his all time list. 

I just hope they don’t release a new version soon after I buy it!


 

Hi @jpearson3131  I second the thought that the Mac is not the best.  Much clearer, more resolving components from many companies.  Also, most DACs stream as well.   I have a Tambaqui DAC very top line, but later adding a separate Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer madee a big improvement.  Also I, have an Altair G1in a vacation home, and it is awesome, so I would assume that the nicer Altair G2.1 would be great.  I think easily better than the Cambridge.  GTT sells al the Auralic stuff and Bill has good advice.  An Audionet Watt integrated would blow the socks off the McIntosh.  He could also describe the differences in the Altair and the Vega DACs, since they seem to do similar things.

Lots of great suggestions for a DAC and streamer.  I won't add to the confusion, although I'm partial to separates and Denafripts and Aurenders. My comment is regarding your speakers and amp.  I recently heard (auditioned) your speakers with MAC.  While I'm sure there is better, it was a very nice combination and something I would definitely hang onto for awhile.  Your priority should continue to be the DAC/streamer as you originally asked about.

The new ifi neo stream is worth looking at. Many inputs including optical and a little Oled. Built-in DAC or USB and more outputs gives flexibility for better DAC. I wish it had XLR out, is only provided with RCA analog out 

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