2. digital
  3. 183752-177769

What are my options for music files, CD rips, and a DAC all-in-one solution?

I’m reviewing my digital chain and think it could be improved.

My current set up is this:

  • Rega Aethos amp (because of my analogue chain)
  • M-DAC Audiolab
  • Marantz CD player
  • Ripped CD files and other FLAC/WAV files converted to Apple Lossless and stored on an external harddrive. This is then managed by iTunes and connected to the DAC via a USB cable from the Mac.
  • Sonos for streaming my ripped music collection and internet radio.

My ideal scenario would be an upgraded DAC that could rip CDs and stream music services/stored files. Whether that exists or if I’d need a different unit for ripping/storing CDs I don’t know. I’ve mainly focused on my analogue chain up to now but want to focus on the digital side and improve what I have.

I’ve heard good things about Naim, but don’t need another amp. Keen to hear the thoughts of members here who are digital first.

side22olto
mlsstl
1,436 posts
 

Also look at smallgreencomputer.com.  They've been around a long time and have several options with internal drives for storage, and some have a CD drive for ripping. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality.

soix
9,456 posts
 

This does everything you’re looking for, but while the internal DAC is decent I’m not sure it’d be an upgrade.  It has a CD drive and internal storage so you can rip your CDs directly into it.  You could later upgrade to a better DAC and also add Innuos’ linear power supply and you’d have a very, very good streaming setup.  Best of luck. 
 

https://www.tweekgeek.com/zen-mini-mk3/

side22olto OP
28 posts
 

Thanks, I’ll check it out!

antho768's avatar
antho768
16 posts
 

I have the NAD C399 Integrated amp. Has a very good DAC along with some other goodies. Not sure how you feel about BLUOS.

mahler123
3,313 posts
 

Budget?

DACs don’t rip files. They play digital files that have been sent to them from a digital source, such as CDP, PC, or a streamer. In order to rip CDs to some type of hard drive you need a ripping device.

Bluesound Vault is the budget audiophile solution for an all in one ripper/storage/streamer/DAC. It has advantages and limitations.

I would suggest keeping your present DAC and getting a streamer with storage.

If you change everything at once, which an all in one device will do, and if you wind up not liking it, which link in the chain is the problem? If you keep things separate, you can evaluate the impact of each change

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