Better DAC or better Streamer

Probably the reason some people say all streamers sound the same- they are using throwaway cables which mask 30% of the music from getting to their downstream components and speakers. 

@mclinnguy +1

Both of equal importance IMO. Innuos and Lampizator have given me the best digital I’ve had yet. Just pulled the trigger on Lucas Audio LDMS server based on @willgolf and so many others glowing reviews. Can't wait to get it!

You’re received a lot of responses.  There’s only one way to tell in my experience.  A/B testing with both the streamer, one vs. the other, and then the same with the DACs.  Only you can decide if it makes one or the other a worthwhile upgrade.   

Got a chance to listened and compared between my SP3000 and Aurender N150 and N200 months ago around an hour.  My decision was to stay with my SP3000.

Both N150 and 200 was too bright comparing to SP3000.  It was on the tube amp and Focal speakers.  

@eddy1 - I suspect the Aurender streamers were actually just doing a better job of showing what the components sound like. It’s my understanding Focal speakers have a reputation for being bright. 

@bluethinker 

+1

OP, 

I own an Aurender 100, an W20WSE... I have heard other models as well as dCS, Linn, Grimm and others.  Also I own and A&K SP2000. There is nothing  remotely bright about any of the Aurender streamers. It must be coming from somewhere else. Yes, Focal tend to be on the bright side. 

Well at least he didn't come back and say they sounded the same. 

@bluethinker Thank you. I will make other appointment with different speakers.  

@ghdprentice from your experience, does Aurender 100 sound better than SP2000?

@mclinnguy :)

The Aurender 100 is so different it is unreal. The Aurender is leagues better... the SP2000 sounding dry and flat. 

@ghdprentice Thank you, sir.  I am about to pull a trigger on Dave yesterday but will wait.  I will definitely go back and listen with different speakers again.

I ended up with Dave and Mscaler couple months ago and really happy with it.  Next will be streamer.  Thank you everyone.

Congratulations.

congratulations @OP. 

After you get settled with that, after the streamer acquisition, in time, look up this at-home remastering software, and read some of the testimonials - it was developed for the Dave by Dave users, and is a component level upgrade for it and other compatible DAC's, like my T+A DAC200. One needs to get over the hurdle of getting a good computer and plenty of storage for files, but it is worth it. My remastered redbook CD's sound better than 24/192 Qobuz files.

PGGB