Best streamer/DAC for up to $1500

I almost bought the Qutest. Even though it is still in my shortlist, I am thinking maybe I should go for the integrated solution of a streamar/DAC combo. My budget is no more than about $1500 MAX. MQA is not absolutely necessary. XLR outputs are preferable.

I am deciding towards a Cambridge CXN V2, unless someone here suggests an alternative.

Sound quality is obviously the most important criteria but right up there is also reliability too (at least 6+ years of trouble free reliable operation).

Any experiences ?

Thanks in advance.

cakyol03-01-2022 12:16am

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cakyol OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 940 posts 03-03-2022 at 07:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @williewonka My choice for the Mojo 2 is because of the overwhelmingly positive reviews of the product, as well as the fact that one of the the mojo 2 tone control bands is around 20 Hz, which is the low/subwoofer bass region, which is almost equivalent to the ’loudness’ settings which used to be available on older products and not on the newer ones, which I sorely miss. That is in fact one of the most important reasons I flipped to a Mojo 2 from the Qutest, which is considered to be a better (and more than twice as expensive) DAC. I am obviously giving up my XLR output requirement but I promise I will keep the wires very short :-) Thanks on all the suggestions.
deer_creek_audio Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 63 posts 04-23-2022 at 07:01pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Something to consider with a budget of $1,500 is the miniDSP SHD, you get superb core audio performance, true active balanced XLRs, and system flexibility. Then with Dirac Live and you have a game changer. Dirac Live resolves the soundstage with improved clarity and intelligibility with all instruments and vocals. With the room correction aspect you'll experience deeper and tighter bass free of resonances throughout the listening area, with greater transparency and the removal of distracting artifacts. The miniDSP SHD is a good example of a streaming high definition digital audio processor with excellent DACs. Dirac Live uniquely combines frequency response correction as well as impulse response (time domain) correction in the digital domain. Fixing time domain anomalies is an impressive advancement for any audiophile system. The only downside is the increased complexity and effort needed to fully integrate Dirac Live. So having excellent dealer support is important. Deer Creek Audio is an authorized miniDSP SHD dealer.
denvelle Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 26 posts 04-28-2022 at 06:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Innuos Zen Mini Mk3 is available in your price range and has been very favorably reviewed. I’m considering its big brother myself (Innuos Zen Mk 3). You can then later add the separate power supply for another 650.00 to step it up a notch. You can rip CDs to its internal hard drive, which is another plus... https://www.tweekgeek.com/zen-mini-mk3/
jorjlien Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 52 posts 09-26-2022 at 01:57pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete hi guys, coming iFi Neo Stream (streamer+ dac all in1) at $1299 then upgrade psu the iFi iPower Elite (12v-15v) at around $300 i think is the best value in the market right now.
jerrybj Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 846 posts 09-27-2022 at 09:22am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete A little over the budget, but streams ahead of the Cambridge is a Gustard R26.