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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 yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,989 posts
 

I just bought my 3rd Sonore OpticalRendu for streaming I have 2 DACs now and a 3rd in the future. The price of the used OpticalRendu was too good to pass up. It will stay in storage until I get a 3rd DAC.

I also owned the Benchmark DAC1 and it is the only Benchmark product I dislike. The DAC2 and DAC3 are not as fatiguing compared to the DAC1. In fact, many of the new DACs in the $500-$1000 range are better than the DAC1.

 

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