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Streamer-DAC vs Seperates

I know this has been discussed before but I’m wondering if anything has changed with streamer-DAC combo boxes from Weiss, DCS, etc.  

I think the answer likely changes depending on how much you are spending.  Of course separates will win if funds are unlimited. Sadly, that’s not reality for most.  So, if one were to spend let’s say $15k or $20k on streaming and DAC capabilities, would it be better sound if divide those funds and buying separates, or just go for one of the combo options now?

I’m not sure why, but my system’s digital chain is the only area of my system that I didn’t obsessively scrutinize with demos before deciding.  I’m actually happy with my digital chain, but then again I have no experience with anything else, unlike the rest of my gear for which I’ve tested everything I possibly could.  I started by adding the Gryphon Diablo 300 DAC module to my D300 integrated.  Then I saw many liked Innuos so at the time I just sprung for a Zenith Mk3.  Later, I added an Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker, and a PhoenixNET Ethernet switch.  So all in all I guess my digital component chain is worth about $15k, excluding the PhoenixNET network switch and excluding my Audioquest Hurricane power and Diamond USB and Ethernet cables.  Again, happy with the sound but really feel a bit embarrassed that I have no basis of comparison!

Back to my original question - if spending $15-$20k on streaming and DAC capabilities, would separates be better, worse, or the same as the popular combined options in this range? 

 

nyev
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,574 posts
 

‘“Trying is the only way to know.”
+1, @audphile1

@nyev

It appears you’re suffering from audiophilia nervosa…LOL! The irritating itch that keep surfacing every few days. Honestly, you got a darn good digital front end but instead of focusing on music, you can’t help obsessing over what else I can do or what’s next? Clearly, the DAC module inside Diablo is not engaging or musical enough to hold your attention.

Well, open your wallet and start auditioning DAC’s until you find the one that can outclass the DAC inside Diablo. I wouldn’t mess with Innuos trio until you solve the DAC riddle. I would consider a tube DAC like Lampizator Baltic to spice things up. Also recommend AQUA La Scala MKII Optologic or even Formula xHD.

IMHO, separate DAC and Streamer wins each time if you’re pursuing ultimate performance and flexibility. 

Happy Holidays!

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

Thanks for the perspectives! @lalitk , I’m not actually considering upgrading my digital chain at this point. As I said I’m very happy with my sound, and as of now I don’t feel the need to upgrade. I started this thread only because I am interested in the latest HiFi developments and the community’s perspectives, and my digital chain is an area I simply wonder about because I never went through the excruciating process of careful component selection. Despite that I think I landed in a pretty good place!

I have a few friends who are just getting into HiFi (or maybe MidFi but I won’t tell them that) and are ALL adding lower grade streamer-DAC combos which made me start wondering. They asked me if the combo approach made sense at their level and I said I really didn’t know (I had lots of advice on their other components). In the end they liked the convenience factor.

Also was recommending they try a variety of amps but the allure of McIntosh blue meters was too strong and they all went with MC462’s and the Mac tube preamp. Seems crazy they did that as I don’t think they realize the extent of the sonic differences amps can make - none had ever had a HiFi system before. I did test McIntosh separates when looking for an amp a number of years back and the Diablo clobbered all the separates I tested in that range.

I think it’s nuts they refused to test amps (they all tested speakers extensively). But I guess I didn’t test any digital options either… but I did go by community recommendation and not what gear looked sexy…

 

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i too very much like one unit streamer/dacs.. after trying so many, i have kept 3

msb analog dac (w powerbase and lan module)

weiss 501

chord m scaler and hugo tt2 - fed by optical rendu via usb (really love the sound of this combo, small form factor as a stack, and particularly, its fantastic ability to drive all sorts of downstream gear)

the first two take ethernet in, does the rest, i am roon user... of course, upstream, there is quite a bit going on... switches, word clocks, ether regens or n-a passive filters with lps’s so there are plenty of boxes still

 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,574 posts
 

“I started this thread only because I am interested in the latest HiFi developments and the community’s perspectives and my digital chain is an area I simply wonder about because I never went through the excruciating process of careful component selection,”

@nyev

The latest trend seems to indicate one box Ethernet based DAC with rendering capabilities. Like Bricasti, Grimm Audio, Weiss and Merging Technologies plus what @jjss49 pointed out …..switches, word clocks, ether regens or n-a passive filters with lps’s….to further sweeten the pot.

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

Yes trend definitely seems to be streamer-DAC combos with “tweak” boxes like reclockers, upscalers etc.  But I’m wondering if what @lalitk said is true - that separate DAC and dedicated streamer always wins.

If I was upgrading now I’d be carefully testing separates like what I have (Zenith Mk3, PhoenixUSB Reclocker, Diablo 300 DAC module, PhoenixNET Ethernet switch) but maybe moving to a dedicated standalone DAC, and really seeing if the how the performance compares with combined boxes like the DCS Bartok, Weiss 501, etc.  Really curious if anyone has done comparisons along these lines.

Maybe not, because it seems people start by committing to the combo or standalone approach first, and testing components within those categories?

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