Another person going digital and full of questions


I'm yet another new member trying to figure out the digital streaming world.  I've been streaming Tidal and Idagio from my desktop computer through an RME ADI-2 dac and into various headphones for a while.  Now I'd like to add digital streaming on my main system.  I'm just looking for a source that would provide streaming services to my existing preamp (Audible Illusions) amp (Audio Research) and speakers (Wilson Benesch Act 1).  I'm looking for something to complement my other sources, a VPI turntable and a Rega CD player and Benchmark 1 DAC.  I don't want to rip my CDs or play any stored music files.  So far, I'm learning that there are more recent and better DACs out there than the old Benchmark, and that I should consider a quieter box than my computer to connect to ethernet.  But I'm lost in a sea of streamers, servers, reclockers, power supplies, etcetera, most with unfamiliar brand names.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.  budget in the $5k range but can stretch a little.

mattchanoff

Showing 1 response by davespencer

Don't buy a combo streamer/dac. Dac technology is still advancing and you want to be able to swap it out when something significantly better comes along - and it will!

Building a great digital system requires that you start with a great front end (garbage in / garbage out). Forgoing discussion of routers, modems, switches, Wi-Fi, etc, your streamer makes a big difference. But, streamer technology is pretty stable, so if you get a high quality streamer you can likely move up to any future new/improved dac WITHOUT COMPROMISE. 

The Lumin U1 mini is a very solid choice. Even better is the original Lumin U1 with its separate linear power supply. I think The Music Room has a pre-owned U1 for ~$4500(?) (MSRP ~$7500). It's a top-shelf unit- Roon ready, and exceptional connectivity options allowing for future upgrades s to your system. 

Get one of these and you can concentrate on the rest of your system journey. But always, always optimize your front end first if you expect to hear the full impact of your downstream changes.