Solo streamer

thank you @rvpiano @audphile1 & @lalitk for the quick response.

Taking advantage of the family traveling and being alone, went over to a HiFi shop here in Dubai and did an impromptu audtion.

Preamp: Parasound JC2, Power Amp: Parasound JC5, DAC: Ferrum Wandla, Speakers: Audio Note AN J

Variables: Eversolo DMP A6 ME and Aurender N150- both used as streamers only.

Took a friend along too. Including the store rep none of the three of us could discern a noticeable difference. It could be down to the perfectly treated room and the phenomenal amps and speakers- is my guess.

My own set-up for reference:

3 amps that I use interchangeably: Audio Note P2SE, Gato Audio 150 AE, Akitika (yes you read that right) GT102 Z4; streamer: Eversolo DMP A6 (standard), DACs: Topping D70 Pro Octo and MHDT Orchid, Speakers: Klipsch RP 8000F II.

Basis what I have read in other threads on AG, inclyding by @lalitk  and @audphile1 I am guessing your recommendation would be to upgrade the DAC and then possibly look at the steamer?

regards,

Manu

@dxbwineguy 

If you couldn’t hear any differences between Eversolo DMP A6 ME and Aurender N150, then I wouldn’t bother with an upgrade. Bottom line, if you’re happy with your existing system, then sit back and enjoy. 

If you have an upgrade itch, then bring in N-150 in your home and listen for a week before thinking about next upgrade. The whole upgrade game with streamer vs DAC is like catch 22 thing. They both need to be complimentary of each other and not be bottleneck. Looking at your system, N150 ➡️ MHDT would be my pick for N150 audition in your system. 

If the N150 sounds anything like the N200, I would go for it.

btw, Mercury Living Presence tracks sound unbelievable on the Aurender.
You can hear the sampler on Qobuz.  
Play  it loud.

@lalitk the upgrade itch strikes everyday. I try to control it. Fortunately, the audition today helped in that. Right now I have 2 speakers on order- the Qualio IO and The Omega Junior 8. Hopefully once I have them, especially with the former I can salve the urge at least for a few months.

I got the Orchid only earlier this week- that was also part of the itch. As per the manufacturer the tube takes more than a month to burn-in. So maybe that will also help.

regards,

Manu

@dxbwineguy 

My recommendation would be to not make further changes without allowing a new component to completely settle in your system. This will allow you to make sound decisions and get you off upgrade merry go round.