2. digital
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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
ron1264
137 posts
 

@vinylshadow Yes the Mytek Empire is awesome sounding! I can't speak for the Aurrender A30, but i can for the N10 and the Empire is much better sounding. Yes, it is 6K more then the A30, but also includes a full balanced preamp and a very good phono preamp with nickel transformer that the A30 does not have.

side22olto OP
28 posts
 

I’m now thinking it would be best to get a standalone cd ripper to put all the music on an external 2TB harddrive as FLAC files, then connect this to a streamer and then into the Audiolab DAC and add a ROON account (Mac acting as the Core) to manage everything. So it’s just a question of which streamer. Don’t want to waste money on one with an expensive integrated DAC, as I have a standalone, unless it’s one that my Audiolab will be an improvement over.

 

 

side22olto OP
28 posts
 

Does anyone have experience with the Naim Uniti Star? Seems like a good solution for what I’m after and would run via my m-dac+.

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