2. digital
  3. 188806-128350

Help me pick a Dac

Budget 4000

I currently have the latest version of the Bluesound Node and a PS Audio Stellar Gaincell Dac for the digital Frontend. I stream qobuz and flac from a networked drive.
The rest of system is a Backert Lab Rhumba 1.3 , Schiit aiger monos and Zu soul 6 speakers. Also have a Nottingham horizon turntable, Hana cart and Lehman Cube phono pre. I think the modest tt sounds more natural and holographic compared to my digital frontend so I think I can do better.
Also I’m pretty isolated as far as audio goes so I’ve only heard my own system and likely will have buy without an audition.

Stu

 

 

stu20
stu20 OP
7 posts
 

I’d prefer new with a warranty and support if needed. 

ghdprentice
6,390 posts
 

It could be either your streamer or your DAC. I haven’t heard your DAC. If you read all the professional reviews of your DAC and what they say is what you like then I would upgrade to a better streamer. I recommend a used Aurender N100. This would be a big upgrade and I think that would do it. if that doesn’t quite get you there, then upgrade your DAC. Anyway, that’s my take.

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
898 posts
 

you could Also do a ROON config:

SGC ST i5 for the core:$1.2k

PS Audio Airlens:$2K

1 year Roon Subscription:$150

dump the rest of the budget on cableing. 

12many
222 posts
 

Your Node stands out at the inexpensive - entry level consumer component.  

stu20 OP
7 posts
 

So maybe the streamer first? Any good streamer dacs combos around my budget worth A look?The stellar gain is also a analouge pre amp so I thought its dac might easily be beat by a dedicated unit.  Thanks for the input.  
 

More to discover