Solo streamer

“The difference is pretty substantial, sonically.”
@blisshifi

I respectfully beg to differ. For example, the difference between N20 and N30SA were subtle at best. They were compared in my system for extended period of time with DAC’s that costing $45K and $30K respectively. These are my findings and others may disagree and that’s ok.

Staying the course (n200) and finding a competent DAC is not a viable option for @rvpiano unless he is willing to spend upwards of $5K in DAC’s. I am now going to sit back and watch OP’s journey :-)

@lalitk I agree between the N20 and N30SA but I’ve spent time with all of the analog output series DACs except for the new A1000, and I heard pretty big steps between the A200, A15, and A20. You have experience with the dedicated streamers, so likely you know the improvement of the N150 to the N200 is there, and worthwhile, whereas the jump to from the N200 to the N20 is fairly substantial, with the N20 adding richness, density, refinement etc. With the analog output series, the DAC and analog stage play a large part in the overall performance, and while synergy in the combined unit is very good across all products offered, the performance gains are notable and audible. Depending on the system it’s going in, results may vary.

I do also agree that the N200 is worthy of a DAC $5K+. This is what I mentioned at the very beginning of this thread (not the $5K, but that this may result in the search for a better DAC). I’ve seen this journey pan out so many times with my clientele, it doesn’t surprise me anymore. :)

“whereas the jump to from the N200 to the N20 is fairly substantial”
@blisshifi 

For our readers, please outline the downstream DAC and rest of the system used for this comparison. Thank you! 

If you just listen to the music, the N200 exists in pretty rarefied air.