15k for streamer and dac....how much on each?


for a music first, streaming only, two channel system.......with 15k in pocket (can buy new or used)  is the general rule of thumb 50/50 split on the budget?

do any all in one units at this price point compare to separates?

What choice did you land on at your respective budgets?

I've not had the greatest experience with streamers.....sound more similar than dissimilar to my admittedly non golden untrained ears

 

 

 

 

 

 

audiocanada

if by “streamer” you just mean streamer, then I’d go no more than 10% on streamer.  ($7500 on a streamer is a complete waste of $.)  If you mean server and streamer, Maybe as much as, but no more than, 20-25%.  In the former case, there are also a number of really good all in one streamer/dacs so you do not have to make that decision.  For example, the Simaudio DACs are really fine streamers as well.  It would be helpful if you gave more info about your use case.  How do you stream now?  Do you use Roon?  What’s your current DAC?

It’s always fascinating to read through these threads. 

A number of posters have stated it’s a waste to spend money on a streamer. I’d be curious as to how many better quality streamers they’ve actually tried in their own system. 

To some of us, investing in a quality streamer was more beneficial than upgrading the DAC. In my search for a new DAC, I auditioned the Simaudio 680 DAC (very nice unit, BTW - with built in streaming function).

I had been planning on getting an all in one DAC/streamer and figured I would sell my streamer, saving me some money, cables, boxes.

I then auditioned that same DAC but with my Auralic G2 streamer sourcing it - just to compare. The dealer doesn’t carry Auralic - so he was certainly not biased in favor of it. He was as surprised as me at how much better the DAC sounded when sourced by the outboard streamer as opposed to the Simaudio built in streaming function. (As an aside, he started working on picking up the line). 

This is but one example I can share. Those looking to improve the performance of their DAC should strongly consider exploring improving the source feeding the DAC. You just might be surprised at the results. Streamers can make a very significant difference for the better if you choose well. 

It’s certainly worth auditioning one instead of dismissing it.

 

I recently bought the T+A Dac200 and the Lumin U2 streamer, so about 50/50 in cost. Sounded spectacular but a touch " Hifi" on some cuts ( running unfiltered). However adding a high quality switch and a Network Accoustics ethernet filter/usb cable combo brought it to a level that now beats my more expensive analogue front end when listening to some 24bit files.

I have a $6300 streamer and a DAC that costs less than $2000. Let your ears decide, there is no % guide here.

@oldracer 

I too have the DAC200. Have you tried giving it DSD files? I’m not sure if the Lumin has the capability of file conversion or if you have a computer you could put HQplayer on to then give to the Lumin. But, the DAC200 sounds even better when using its DSD path.

to the rest on this thread  - sorry for the short detour.