What about dipping your toes into a used DCS Bartok….? There’s a bunch on the market now as the APEX version just came out. Really great sounding DAC…!!
Digital Path to Complete my System
My analog system is complete - now looking at the digital side/path. I have always been a 2-channel analog guy but reluctant to dive in with $$ on the digital side as the newer/better/upgraded versions seem to be coming out yearly...if not monthly. I am currently using a Bluenode until my digital experience/knowledge is more complete and for what it does - the Bluenode is impressive! I like the convince of the digital chain but want my purchase to be one and done = not upgraded in the future. And – a MSB Technology system is not in my price range. Aurender seems to hit the sweet spot of price point, sound, bang for the buck, reputation, customer service, and build quality. Would appreciate experienced feedback for those with a complete digital chain ( streamer, DAC, clock?, & cables/interconnects) - total package under $18K...appreciate if it is a digital side you researched, own, listened to, and have settled on. My preamp, amp is set....just need the digital path! Again, something I would not need to update and add onto in the future...
JR
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- 31 posts total
Just curious, are you planning for streaming, local file playback or cd with transport? My system is not in the same tax bracket as yours, but I found a good similarity in sound with a tube buffered r2r NOS dac playing local FLAC files off my network (server pc -> streamer Pi -> DAC). That should hopefully mimic the natural analog sound you're used to (and basing your opinions from). Combine that style of DAC with a good streamer, spend good $ on usb or spdif rca cable (highly recommend Hapa Audio Aero cable for this) and leave a few $ for an ethernet cable. @ghdprentice is right with his analysis that a good digital system is almost $/$ the same as a good analog one once you get above the entry to mid-fi market. I've been slowly upgrading each side and finally have them close in performance (analog slightly better still) so I know the struggle of adopting both sides into the same system.
Hope my rambling helps, -Lloyd |
I had a Grimm mu2 in my system for a while. I felt it’s sound quality appropriate to the cost, although I think (separate audition) the Aurrender N20 sounds slightly better (lower noise floor) and the fit and finish on the Aurender is far better. The physical operation of the Aurrender is also much better, that wheel on the top of the Grimm is confusing and feels more like a gimmick than a serious control.. |
- 31 posts total