Next step up on the streaming food chain?


I’ve been enjoying my Auralic Aries G1 for nearly 3 years now. If I wanted to explore a significant step up in my streaming quality, and not a small incremental increase in quality, what devices should be on my short list? Aries G2.2? Grimm MU1? Something else? The G1 is awfully good, however, I still perceive an extra layer of dimensionality and roundness with my analogs set up (see profile for details) that I would love too achieve in the digital realm. Or am I barking up the wrong tree, and should I focus on my DAC, a Bricasti M1, and try as non-oversampling R2R dac? FWIW, I think the Bricasti is excellent- it was the first DAC I ever heard that made me say- "that sounds terrific" instead of saying "that sounds great for digital"

128x128zavato

@audphile1 

thsnk you got your suggestion, as you’ve owned the G1 and have had Bricasti experience 

And to add, I had Pass XP-22 and X260.8 with Aurender and Bricasti. I see you have Pass XP-20 and X250.8.

+1 @kennymacc

Most likely, a better streamer would help achieve your goals. If budget is a concern, have you considered a DDC - such as one of these with a trial period. This approach would keep the Lightning DS interface.

I’m also a fan of OCC wire. Then I installed this Synergistic Research Galileo digital cable between the DDC and the DAC. Wow! Full bodied & dynamic. No digital leanness. Zilch! Good luck in your quest.

I own (recently) a Bricasti m1 SE with their network card. Great deal, but, still very expensive for me. I listen to only rock and roll, also 60' & 70's. I use Qobuz and Audirvana, and couldn't be happier. Just saying:  Robert TN