How do you assess a DAC?

+1 @ghdprentice and @soix …..

Keeping them separate with both a having linear power supply, is the cold hard truth if you strive for premium performance.

I found that out with with personal experience with my BRYSTON digital player / server / streamer paired up with its matched stablemate BRYSTON DAC.

Thanks @soix @ghdprentice @akg_ca I’m going to look at separates. Budget wise I’m thinking max £4k for a streamer and then upgrade the DAC later in the year. It just seems that in that price range, the streamers all have an amp or dac onboard so I need to find the best quality streamer I can get without having to pay for one with pre-amp/dac that I don’t need.

Aside from what type of hi rez files a dac can decode, it’s all about personal taste, so let your ears be your guide.

I would definitely put Innous products on your list of standalone Streamers. I would also put Denafrips products on your shortlist of standalone DACs. The Teac UD701N will embarrass many $5K DACs and Streamers and put a few $10K DAC/Streamers on notice!

I love my Mytek Liberty 11 DAC. Very rich, precise sound for $1500, and can handle all the hi res formats. I am still using my MacBook Pro for streaming but will check out the Innuous Streamer.