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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
5,613 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?

testrun
242 posts
 

For me it came down to power cables and interconnects.  When I looked at all separates the total cost versus a DAC with built in streamer was not really close.  I ended up with a Bricasti M1 se with network / streamer card.  I would do that again and invest the savings into a music server like the SGC i5.  

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Separates period. 

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

@testrun that is a very common sense approach.  I tend to go big on cables so definitely a factor.  But as I said, that is an example of first deciding what approach makes sense to you and committing to that, vs actually testing the sonic differences between the approaches.  

While the cable argument makes a lot of sense to me, I still wonder if anyone has really done a thorough comparison of sonic performance between similar cost digital separates vs combo boxes, on a revealing system (otherwise differences may not be detectable).  

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