2. digital
  3. 173862-28219

Best streamers WITHOUT a DAC

A year or so I jumped into the streaming world with the Bluesound ecosystem.  Overall I'm very happy with it.  Still, I think I can do better than the Node 2i on my "reference" system, basically a vintage high end setup (Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 Mk III, Krell KBL,  ML no. 332, factory rebuilt Maggie MG 3a's).  I've compared the 2i's internal DAC with the SFD-2s and it isn't even close.  Not surprising, as the SFD-2 Mk III is certainly one of the best DACs ever made despite its age.  So, can anybody suggest a suitable DACless streamer?  Comments appreciated, thanks.

raueda1

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,863 posts
 

OP,

 

Congratulations! It’s a great feeling isn’t it? There is always the anticipation and fear after spending all that money. But that is why there are $500 through $25K+ streamers. 

ghdprentice
7,863 posts
 

Aurender.

After years of iPods, iPads, Macs and PCs I finally bought an Auralic Aries G2, then an Aurrender N100, listened to a N10, and bought their flagship W20SE. Aurender understands how to build streamers. So does Linn. I recommend one of these. The best you can, then over time you might consider a Audio Research DAC. I used to own a sonic Frontiers CD player (with an SF DAC)… nice tone but short on details (very short)… the ARC will give you natural sound with tons more detail.

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