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
I honestly believe that the majority of the money should go towards the dac. The rest for the streamer. I’m not sure of the synergy. Though from what I’ve read the Bricasti M1, in conjunction with the n150 or n200 (aurender) would probably suit most listeners well. As other post have mentioned, Your source is the Dac, everything else is second fiddle. Best luck. |
Aurender certainly would be biased. However, they say the streamer is 30% and the DAC 70%. I currently have a dCS Lina DAC and Lina Clock. I am not particularly happy with its built n streamer and am considering an Aurender W20SE. Although I did take note of Aurender W20s for sale used for very good price. Think the battery power supply which in in the W20 and the SE could be the most significant feature. Surely the SE must be better. But considering I don’t have an up line dCS, the older model could be just fine. My pal, @ghdprentice, will be coming by to check out his W20SE with my Lina. I hope that I am blown away. Just the Lina and clock with its built in streamer in my system produce a sound that is more detailed than my analog and sounds very good but I only listen to digital at night with the TV. With music it is, unfortunately, too much and tiring. My hope is that the W20SE will relax the sound and make it not only listenable but as enjoyable or better than my analog. I am 71 and still enjoy the ritual of the LP. But there will come a time when analog becomes difficult. |
W20SE is the way to go if you can afford it. You can always upgrade the DAC (or not). The W20SE improved upon W20 in terms of treble without any sibilant effects, which was the case with W20. The SE is also more analog-like overall, with greater dimensionality and space between instruments. Instrumental images are more solid, tangible, and three-dimensional, with a greater impression of body. W20SE will excel further with a good USB or AES cable and equally good BNC clock cable. Hope you enjoy the audition and company of @ghdprentice. |
I’d go with a Denafrips Terminator II and a Sonore Signature Rendu SE. This will give you 100% fiber to the DAC cleaning everything beyond belief…. Also get a Sonore Sonic Transport which stay on your network all the time. That piece is Roon ready and flows seamlessly throughout the components. These (3) should be around $10k all in. Look them up if you have a minute to see. It did change my system night and day. You’ll also have money left to upgrade or change some cables and speaker wires Hope it helps |
