Both the DAC and streamer are important, and I personally like keeping them separate. For a streamer look at Innuos as their Sense app is widely regarded as the best available in a streamer and even rivals Roon it’s so good. Pair that with a good DAC that meets with your tastes and you’ll be in great shape. If you share what improvements/sound characteristics you’re looking for you’ll get good recommendations here.
Aal in one streamer/dac or seperates
I purchased a Cambridge CXN100 around the first of the year. I’m running Qobuz HiRez as a source and StreamMagic as my streaming app. I am also currently auditioning a LUMIN L2 streamer and running it through a Rose RD 160. I’m 71 now and can’t hear a test one over 10K htz.. I have both connected to my preamp, so I can A/B them playing the same songs. I can hear a little difference, but not $9K worth. Maybe it’s just my age. I hate the LUMIN app, but love the Streamagic app. Also, the LUMIN has no trigger voltage connection, but am sure it’s ok to leave it on 24/7.
I have inquired and am told that Cambridge doesn’t have a better dac than what’s in the EXN or the CXN. In any of your opinions, is the streamer quality just as important as the dac? I’m just not hearing that much difference. Both are hardwired to the internet. I know-let my ears tell me. I’ve been saying that for years. Just wanted your thoughts.
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