15k for streamer and dac....how much on each?


for a music first, streaming only, two channel system.......with 15k in pocket (can buy new or used)  is the general rule of thumb 50/50 split on the budget?

do any all in one units at this price point compare to separates?

What choice did you land on at your respective budgets?

I've not had the greatest experience with streamers.....sound more similar than dissimilar to my admittedly non golden untrained ears

 

 

 

 

 

 

audiocanada

I have traveled multiples states in various audio clubs 

a excellent product Denmark Audio Group

the AAvic  180,280 ,exceptions integrated amps and better then anything in their respective price classes ,vs all well known name brands around 8k and $11k 

they all have 300-600wpc the differences are in. More active Tesla coils and a few other upgrades. ,nothing but cutting edge technologies and several other technologies in  classD on a much higher level .the pass labs ,Hegel ,bryston ,Boulder was not  that close and less $$ the dac board is extra very good detailed and rich , Ansuz thier cable line very good but not cheap, and the Xline Borresen Loudspeakers , class leading bargains .they are on m6 to do list ,depending on my budget later in the year, you truly need to hear them before giving a honest opinion.

streamer the Innuos line has some very good mini pulsar line under $2k and the optional upgrade LPS ,I would buy from linear tube audio for 1/2 off and I feel as good for $700.including a excellent DC cable .or buy the matching LPS  but more $$.and innuos has a excellent interface better sounding then Roon.

I'm sure you could find a dealer that would get you into an

Auralic Aries G1.1. and

Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC for that around your price.

A great combo.

Definitely an approximate 50 - 50 split. Both are critical. That gets you in the big league with the DAC.
 

If it were me I would get a used Audio Research DAC9 (there are lots of other great DACs, but the 9 is really natural musical and detailed) and a used Aurender N10 (unless you could find a used N20) if you really want a new one then an Aurrender N200. 

Personally, I find a separate DAC and dedicated  streamer provides better SQ than a streaming DAC. Also, I find greater improvements in SQ between streamer models than between DAC models.  That said, I would still recommend a 50/50 split.  At your price point there are many choices.  For DACs, a used Mola Mola Tambaqui, Bricasti M1 SE, DCS Bartok, or Chord Dave can be paired with a new Aurender N200 or a used N10.  I listed the DACs in order of my personal preference.  You must audition.  You always can go with a new streaming DAC.  The new DCS Bartok will be above budget. You can also add the Grimm to list if you go for a new streaming DAC.  But IMHO, as I mentioned before, I find better performance with separates. 

I bought a dSC Bartök in early 2022 and was very happy with it. When the opportunity came to upgrade it to the Apex version, I waffled a bit but ultimately had it upgraded. After burn-in, the changes were not insignificant. I wanted to bring in a Mola Mola Tambaqui for comparison, but I’ve decided that I am satisfied for now. Used, the dCS Bartök Apex is within your budget. It does not require a separate streamer.