Solo streamer


I’m looking to replace my Cambridge CXN v2 with a streamer that has better SQ.  I want a streamer with no extra accoutrements: no DAC, storage capacity, etc., nothing but a streamer.  Is this available?

128x128rvpiano

Five years, from 2017-18 when the B. DAC3 was reviewed and measured by Stereophile and ASR, to 2022-23, is a significant product cycle for DACs. The premium-priced DACs that received favorable reviews back then may not even stack up well against modern, lower-priced DACs.

So, what DAC do you all recommend with a $6300 streamer? Mola Mola, Holo May, PS Audio, Weiss? Obviously, down the road, the OP will "eventually'' upgrade his DAC to one more cost commensurate with the streamer. That might happen this year, or 5 years from now, but yep. He will likely do so. 

I have a N200.   It's a great unit.   I am using it with the excellent sounding Lab 12 DAC 1 Reference .   I chose that DAC over several that were up to $2k more because I love the way it sounds.   Plus, if I ever upgrade that DAC the N200 will not be the bottleneck

Enjoy    

We all hear differently and have different priorities. There is no absolute answer here just an expression of preferences.  Having said that I am in agreement with those that find the source-DAC combination out of whack here.

   I have no doubt that the system will sound excellent.  If it’s the best allocation of resources is a secondary consideration and one that the OP professes not to be a consideration.

  I suspect it won’t be long before the OP is requesting advice about a more upscale DAC to pair with the new streamer

As the OP mentioned, he’s got a 60-day return window. If he does look for advice on a DAC upgrade after keeping the N200, it would mean that he has not only found value in the improvement the N200 made, and it is eye-opening enough for him to be curious and explore the potential of what other DACs may bring to continue the path to improvement.

If the streamer is not worth keeping, he’ll send it back and maybe try something different (maybe not even another streamer). Either way, there will be first hand learning and experience gained in the works, which makes it worth the effort.

We often frown at the idea of continued investment, but these are the types of moments that can also make this hobby quite exciting and fun!