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

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.

I believe the Lumin feeds DSD to the DAC 200. I just got the T+A Dac 200 also. Sounds great on red book. Feeding it DSD files off the Melco Na H60 Ex is a step up. The Melco doesn’t convert native red book to DSD so would love to hear the Lumin take Quboz and Tidal files converted to DSD >Dac 200. 
I have played with the DSD conversion in Roon but doesn’t seem like it makes much of a difference. 
 

still drool over the Grimm Mu2. Hopefully down the road. 

@audiocanada, and which kind of “THAT guy” are you assuming that I am sir? In my system the ratio between what I spent on my DAC and upsampler with interconnects and power supplies compared to what I spent on my music streamer/server is approximately five to one. What has made the biggest impact on my system was investing in having the cleanest power possible running into and through it. I’ve spent at least three times as much on linear and switch mode power supplies, a good power conditioner with an equally good power cable, and RFI and EMI filters, as I did on my music server alone. 
 

 I built my system around the sound signature of my Chord TT2 DAC and Chord Hugo M Scaler. If I had your $15K today I’d get a Chord Dave DAC and an Antipodes music server because I like their synergy. Good luck and I hope you find what you’re looking for. 

With $15k for a streamer + DAC you are in what I call the "Pride of Ownership" price range. The sound quality of digital gear has become more similar as companies refine their products in the face of stiff competition. Whatevery you buy will sound wonderful.

Hifi Rose makes a gorgeous streamer (RS130) for about $5500 that has about every feature you can imagine and it’s built like the proverbial brick.....house. That would leave a lot of money for a DAC. I can second the recommendation of a Tubadour IV which costs about $3500. I have one and have compared it to several more expensive DACs and it definitely holds its own. I would have trouble justifying spending more than this on a DAC unless you need a feature like HDCD decoding.

If you could think of something else you might do with $13,000 you could get an Eversolo Dmp-a8 for $2k which will do it all. This unit has received gaga reviews and I suspect the SQ difference between a $15k streamer/DAC combo and the Dmp-a8 would be disturbingly small. A conservative strategy would be to get the Eversolo and use it for a while. Then if you have an itch for an expensive DAC you could just use the streamer function of the Dmp-a8 and hook up the DAC to it. This would give you the ability to compare the new DAC with the one that is built-in to the Eversolo so you can see if you are getting better sound.

I second the recommendation of an Esoteric N-01XD.  I love mine. 

You could get a Grimm MU2 streamer/DAC. I have the streamer only and it is excellent.

If u are willing to spend 15k on a streamer/dac, you probably need your head examined.

 @adasdad 

thanks for the second response, just not a huge fan of certain judgements

perhaps I misread

appreciate the specificity around your setup, exactly the kind of info I'm seeking

7k for Denafrips Terminator R2R DAC + Iris DDC. Streamer is just a glorified computer, so maybe 1K. Buy yourself Denafrips Artemis headphone amp and nice cans for the remainder.

@audiocanada lots of opinions on this. We’re a dealer in Minnesota and are really passionate about digital audio. We love all sources but things have gotten so good on the digital front that there are some amazing options out there. That said, we have really been selective on what we have chosen to bring in because we think it’s outstanding. 

Not sure what streaming services you use, but something like a Meitner MA3 or the Mola Tambaqui have on board Roon capability and have fantastic DAC’s. I’d also suggest an Aurender N200 streamer with a Merason DAC1 - detail with gobs of musicality. I think you’ll benefit from separating the streamer from the DAC considering your budget and options.

Good luck on your search for audio heaven! 
 

-Choice Audio 

I have to agree with the poster above who said "let your ears decide" and that there is no standard recommended percentage.

Streaming transports vary wildly in pricing and features, and are one of those areas where spending more does not necessarily produce audible benefits. Sometimes it just gets you more features, or a big fancy enclosure, or a recognizable brand name. If those aspects are useful go for it but for some people they aren't necessary. 

For example I hear nothing but raves about the Stack Audio Link which is relatively affordable and has very limited features. But if it does what you want or need it to do, then it just might outperform much more expensive alternatives. 

I’d choose a DAC up to 12k first, then decide on a streamer.  Keeping the streamer separate from the DAC may be beneficial for future upgrades, but there are some good streamer+DACs.

I started with separate streamer and DAC, but upgraded to the streamer+DAC Linn Klimax DSM/2 with the Organik DAC upgrade because it seems like a fantastic sonic value.