DAC league table

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.

@louisesjpp 

If you want to control the Marantz from your PC, see if there's a web-based interface to your component. This would be in the manual under 'web control function' or something similar. Usually you only have to type in the IP address of the component in the browser's address bar to access it.

I echo "tcotruvo" except I'm using a Node 2i and an SMSL SU-9 (slightly less expensive DAC). I also added the PD Creative board and a linear power supply. Since Node 2i is older model and should be able to find at great price. So this combo should be significantly less than a $1K and might still fit that budget with the cost of a decent LPS. (I'm using an Allo Shanti dual LPS; feeds Node 2I & network switch).The Node & SMSL DAC are an excellent combination. But I"ve done other upgrading by using higher quality DC and network cables and an audio quality network switch (Silent Angel Bonn N8). I think power/electricity is critically important. So I'm running off a dedicated 20 amp circuit, high end Furotech receptacles and cover plates and high quality power cables. And lastly upgraded McCormack DNA 0.5 power amp and Spica monitor speakers. And I'm an enthusiastic Roon user, running on an Intel Nuc core with Tidal streaming. All together great and totally accessible musical environment!!

Marantz have product in a wide price range, just saying 😉

I like my BlueSound Node 2i.  I would be curious to do a blind test with other streamers if I could hear the difference.

I have a Murantz for our family room surround system.  I would not consider Murantz to be audiophile quality.  I have it hooked up to a custom installed Definitive Technologies speakers and it is certainly  much better to listening to TV speakers.  I have no idea how people can listen to TV speakers or a sound bar.

I, too, am considering a new DAC.  The EISA award for this category was a Musical Fidelity unit that sells for $2199.  I have a CD play from MF circa 1998 and it has a way to make even bad CD's sound great.  I would love to audition it if there was a dealer anywhere around.

When budget is tight, iFi Zen Stream is imho the best bang to the buck.  Both usb and rca digital outputs has been purified to eradicate the jitter so it really sounds great.  People have reported its SQ is comparable to 7 or 8 times price gear.  I pair it with Schiit or Smsl dacs and results are sensational.  Of course you could get higher end dac if budget is not an issue.  Also, I am not sure if you stream Qobuz but, if you do, as of today the ZS works well with mconnect player Lite or mconnect player on iphone to provide bitperfect streaming from Qobuz.  I am using the free Lite version and I see the DAC shows the actual hi-rez resolution of the original track.

Another vote for the node. You will like the BluOS app. Good luck ! 

Take a look at this unit and see if you even need your amp.

GaN 1 Pre-Purchase | Peachtree Audio

You will need to get the BluesNode bundle.

I was considering getting this today to try out but realized I had no time to play around with it. 

You do not need a separate DAC to stream music.

Here is another option. Current Node plus a used Denafrips Ares. Well within your budget.

Another best solution base on PC is Audirvana App will cost you around $100 +PC+ Qutest/ RME Dac. 

Streamer : node 2i connect optical to Chord Qutest Dac/ RME Fs 2 Dac is the best out there. Don’t trust a myth

I bought a used Bluesound Node 3 and a SMSL M400 DAC with preamp capability and I think they operate and sound great.  I upgraded the Node power supply with a PD Creative board and a linear power supply.  Total cost was just over $1000.

lousisejpp,

What is your price point? There are great options from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on your equipment and budgest

@louisesjpp 

What’s the rest of your system and what kind of a budget do you have towards new equipment?

All the best.

@louisesjpp stretch it out a bit and find a used Lumin D2. Pros - good sound and solid build. Cons - crappy UI. That’s where Roon comes in.
As to whether or not Roon’s worth the subscription cost, they offer a free trial period. If you decide you don’t like it, cancel it. Nothing to loose. You can try it now if the Marantz is Roon ready

IMHO Roon is not worth paying via subscription.

Good luck finding a combo streamer/DAC/preamp in that price range. I can't think of any because I have never considered that route.

One potential candidate would be the ifi idsd  

https://ifi-audio.com/products/neo-idsd/

But overall a 1000 is a tough budget to get an improvement over a similarly priced marantz when talking DAC/Streamer/Preamp combo.

Look into Roon to see if you like it as a controller /cataloging software.

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.

Innumerable DACs are probably "better."  There is no obvious "tell" from specs. You have to find what you like to listen to. There are many "on approval" options available now for audition.

Referring to the title, there will never be a DAC SQ table, too subjective.  Try another, it may not be a DAC problem.

What points to the Marantz as a root cause of your dissatisfaction?
What’s your budget for the improvements you’re planning to make?