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!

jdm11

Good discussion. I am drawn to the broad capabilities and the interface of the hi-fi rose. I’m curious if people think it is a good streaming option, worthy of keeping in play with an external DAC.  
 

Do people think the HiFi Rose 150, at twice the price, is a better streaming and DAC option?

Bliss, I was just looking at the Aurender N200.  Can it be used as a stand alone streamer with input from wired internet and then output to the amp with RCA's?  It looks like it only has usb and coax.

 

Gemoody, I asked the same question to Upscale and was told that the components are better so lower noise - although at double the price.  I would also like to find an upgrade, but I don't really need the 4k video screen that is on the rs150.  I just want better sound.  I use Tidal and use a wired connection from the router into my McIntosh 352 amp.

 

OP, when you say you are looking for a "fuller sound" it reminds me of some problems I was having with my room.

In my room, I wanted more fullness. There were some drop-outs (nulls) which I was able to specify and then address using room analysis software and microphone. I then made some adjustments to speaker positioning and room contents (including bookshelves and some room treatments). Changes to those factors were substantial and they allowed me to go ahead and compare gear confident that it was the gear which was now the thing-to-be-changed (or not).

Have you got your room as good as you can and have you measured it, would be my question.