Comparing streamer/DACs between $5-10k


I’m looking for a DAC/Streamer single unit, willing to spend up to $7-8k & not opposed to something like a recent model/demo/open box unit.  The only streamer/DAC experience I’ve had so far with my gear connected is with an Aurender A200 on demo from a dealer. Said dealer says it’s the “benchmark” at this general price point.  IDK,  It sounds great, but what would I likely hear differently with the following units?
 

-Meitner MA3

-HiFi Rose 150b

-Lumin T3 or P1

-Bricasti 

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Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

If you do not need preamp functionality then a used Lumin X1 around $6-7k is what I would choose (owned it before). The LeedH volume control is great. Normally volume control on a DAC is bad at low volume. The Lumin is ALMOST perfect in this regard.

If you need preamp then the Lumin P1 is likely what I would choose based on the fibre streaming ability of the Lumin. It is better than the streamers in your other choices.

If you use ROON for streaming and use fibre then your dealers comments about "benchmark" is meaningless to mean. Especially, using fibre. If you are not aware getting setup with fibre can be very low cost if you have Ethernet near your stereo. If not using a PowerLine adapter to get ethernet to you stereo is super cheap. 

People will say this is nuts but the key is the use of FIBRE. Fibre is made of glass and cannot carry analog noise into the DAC. That is why the Lumin is the one of my fav streamers, along with Sonore and PlayBack Designs.