Add External DAC or Upgrade to a New Streamer / DAC?
So upgrade-itis has struck again and I'm looking to improve my digital front end. Right now I am using the HiFi Rose RS250 (Quobuz - Roon - Ethernet - HiFiRose) which is fed into a PrimaLuna Evo 400 Integrated into GoldenEar Triton One.Rs Cardas and Wireworld interconnects and cables. My question is this. In order to achieve a marked improvement in digital sound quality (and being that I enjoy the look and interface of the Rose) is there an external DAC you would recommend running the Rose through (as cost effective as possible - pre-owned or demo preferred) or is there a Streamer / Dac combo product that would be the smarter upgrade move. I'd appreciate any input / advice. Thanks!
Yeah, the ESS SABRE DAC in your Rose is doing you no favors whatsoever. Sounds like a good R2R DAC is in your future. Here’s a nice example and would be a huge upgrade in what you’re looking for… https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650001299-denafrips-terminator-ii-12th-dac/ Here a review that might be helpful in discerning its sound characteristics in case it might be helpful… http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2022/01/05/the-denafrips-terminator-ii-dac-review/ Best of luck in your search. |
I would definitely recommend separating the streamer and DAC function. Choose well and they will sound great and make future upgrades much easier. Two rules of thumb that I find useful. Only true if you do your homework and identify the best at the price range that are compatible both with your system and sonic values. Overall system components are best roughly around the same value. So for instance Streamer = DAC = Preamp = amp. If integrated amp divide by two. My current system has my amp and streamer 20% more than my DAC and preamp… 20% is not much… see below. Upgrades are successful when 2x or more in cost. So say $2K —> $4K. Less than this you can be left with a sideways move and disappointment. I |
soix thank you for your reply. I've been researching that Terminator it's in budget and seems like a promising option since I'm gathering that separates are the wisest way to go here and that piece would pair well with a future streamer upgrade as well. ghdprentice thank you for your thoughts on your formula for budgeting components. I've made a couple sideways moves in the past which is extremely irritating and is kind of why I started the thread to learn from people more experienced. The two comments complement each other and are helpful thank you both I appreciate your time.
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