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DAC league table

A little lost in this world of technical audiophilia, I need a bit of help finding my way.

I have a Marantz streamer with (I think...) an ES Sabre 9016 Ultra Dac as its beating heart. Unhappy with the streamer as whole and thinking of separating out the functions of streaming, DAC and pre-amping, which DACs are better than this one? How do I find out, what specs might tell me?

Onward kit: Acoustics Masterpiece valve amp (used as a power amp), Monitor Audio Gold 200 speakers. Listening interest: vocals, instruments, clarity of sound, although a decent bass response never goes amiss. Source, streaming from tidal or Qobuz.

louisesjpp

Showing 2 responses by louisesjpp

louisesjpp OP
2 posts
 

I don't like HEOS, the app which operates the Marantz. I'd prefer to control from my computer, and would like a better way of cataloguing the music I like.

I'm guessing the Marantz has a resale value of 600 sterling / euro. Buying a DAC / pre-amp for the same or a bit more, say up 1000 sterling or euro would be within budget.

louisesjpp OP
2 posts
 

Thank you all for your responses :)

All things considered, I’m considering making a start with the Bluesound Node and the BluOS app running on Windows and Linus. I could have a look at ROON, too.

I think this would give me a controller, streamer, DAC and pre-amp ready for my existing power amp.

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