When I started done this path I was also thinking of the solution as streamer and DAC. As I learned more I added in a separate music server (hardware). I think it is important if you have a large music library (> 2TB+) and use Roon. In the end I moved from a Mac book PS Audio direct stream DAC w/ bridge (streamer) to a Small Green Computer i5 w/ 4TB SSD (music server), Bricasti M3 (DAC), w/ network card (streamer). Integration with my library and Qobuz is seamless, system response time is near realtime and most important sound quality is great at least with my setup in my room. Any streaming issues experienced before went away(ie - interruptions, search delays, etc. Bottom line don't underestimate the value of a physical music server if using Roon.
New DAC or New Streamer?
This should be fun. After I pay to get my amp upgraded at VAC next month I plan to either upgrade my DAC or Streamer next. I should have enough for that by late spring/early summer. I'm retired so I save some each month until I have what I need. My system is in my user profile. But to keep this simple my current DAC is the Dinafrips Venus II I got a year ago. (I also have the Hermes DDC)
My streamer is the Cambridge CXN V2 via coax to the Hermes-> I2s -> DAC which is also 1 year old. I was just getting into streaming then and knew little about it. I have learned a lot this past year, a whole lot.
I think the bottle neck is leaning more toward the streamer. It seems the DAC is pretty good, I know there are much better DAC's out there but it holds it own I think. Maybe not? I cannot afford the likes of DCS, Lampizator, etc.
The next planned upgrades are a Terminator II DAC and Aurender N200 Streamer. Both are $5000-$6000. (Unless I go for the Terminator + DAC that is $7500 but I am not sure it is $2500 better than the Terminator II)
So, since both will get upgraded a year apart, which should I go for first? Which would provide the biggest upgrade?
Thanks. Happy holidays to all.
- ...
- 122 posts total
When I started done this path I was also thinking of the solution as streamer and DAC. As I learned more I added in a separate music server (hardware). I think it is important if you have a large music library (> 2TB+) and use Roon. In the end I moved from a Mac book PS Audio direct stream DAC w/ bridge (streamer) to a Small Green Computer i5 w/ 4TB SSD (music server), Bricasti M3 (DAC), w/ network card (streamer). Integration with my library and Qobuz is seamless, system response time is near realtime and most important sound quality is great at least with my setup in my room. Any streaming issues experienced before went away(ie - interruptions, search delays, etc. Bottom line don't underestimate the value of a physical music server if using Roon. |
Well stated . You own the Zenith music server and I’m contemplating buying an Innuos Pulse network player. What is your opinion of Innuos “Sense “ sound quality and user interface compared with the Roon alternative? I’m just seeking online streaming usage (Internet radio/Tidal/Qobuz). I’d appreciate any feedback. Charles |
Hi @charles1dad Good questions. I bought the Zenith Mk3 a few months ago, but effectively don't use the internal hard drive. 99% of my listening is new stuff, so I stream Qobuz. It's also the case that many of my CDs have since been remastered and rereleased to Qobuz, so sound better streamed than ripped. So, if I had to buy again now the Pulse series would be my preference. I also added a 2nd hand PhoenixUSB (with great success), so I would look seriously at the Pulsar, which reportedly bundles a USB reclocker. You'll need a good USB cable though. I recently trialled Roon. Basically, Sense 2.x sounds better than Roon - many would agree with this. The only thing I miss about Roon is their rich DSP feature. We all need a form of tone control occasionally. Interestingly, one of the biggest gains I made was only a couple of weeks ago. I replaced my 25 year-old entry-level mains conditioner with an Isotek Gemini to feed my Innuos boxes. Was only £300, but brought about huge gains. Innuos put huge emphasis on the quality of their internal PSUs, but it seems to me that they're still very sensitive to mains noise. A decent-ish shielded mains cable will also help. Belden 83803 is very affordable. |
Thanks for your reply. I like things that are straightforward and simple. Does this apply to the Innuos Sense app/OS or is there a considerable learning curve involved? They do seem to seriously address power supply quality and that’s important to me. I use a very high quality AC balanced isolation transformer that has served my audio system well. Charles |
- 122 posts total