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Digital Front end for Dummies

Have been an analog guy and will likely continue to be but am getting fiber optic Internet (I live in the middle of nowhere so this is a big deal) and am interested in developing a digital front end. My goal is really just to have a streaming set up, either Tidal or Qobuz, with a solid DAC. My dilemma is that I don't want an all in one as I feel like I'd rather have the opportunity to change DAC's later if I want. I also don't want to lay out a pile of money all at once. Wondering if I should get something like a Bluesound Node 2 to start and then add a DAC later or go with a less expensive front end like an Audioengine B-Fi and spend more on a DAC like a used Ayre Codex, Schiit Gungnir, or Denafrips Area II. Rest of my system is:
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods
rmdmoore

Showing 1 response by rmdmoore

rmdmoore OP
172 posts
 
Thanks everyone. After reading the comments I feel like Bluesound is probably the way to go. I've done some more reading since starting this thread now though and am wondering if I shouldn't try and go even a little less expensive and give myself more options. 

I've read a bit about the Allo Boss Player R-Pi based unit. Saw Darko's review as well as a couple others and seems like it sounds pretty darn good for the price and could use Volumio to access Qobuz or Tidal. Later, I could swap out the Boss DAC HAT for the Allo DigiOne and get a great outboard DAC. 

Thoughts? 
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