2. digital
  3. 190456-169563

Digital Path to Complete my System

My analog system is complete - now looking at the digital side/path. I have always been a 2-channel analog guy but reluctant to dive in with $$ on the digital side as the newer/better/upgraded versions seem to be coming out yearly...if not monthly. I am currently using a Bluenode until my digital experience/knowledge is more complete and for what it does - the Bluenode is impressive! I like the convince of the digital chain but want my purchase to be one and done = not upgraded in the future. And – a MSB Technology system is not in my price range. Aurender seems to hit the sweet spot of price point, sound, bang for the buck, reputation, customer service, and build quality. Would appreciate experienced feedback for those with a complete digital chain ( streamer, DAC, clock?, & cables/interconnects) - total package under $18K...appreciate if it is a digital side you researched, own, listened to, and have settled on. My preamp, amp is set....just need the digital path! Again, something I would not need to update and add onto in the future...

JR

jmrrobbie1
kennyc
1,472 posts
 

@jimrrobbie1 I’ll try to make this easy to understand

The analog signal is changed (sampled) to a digital signal using by using a translator (ADC - Analog to Digital Converter) for file storage and delivery purposes.

So for you to play digital music, you’ll need 3 things:

  • Music file source (CDs, server, data from a streaming service uses servers)
  • Delivery method - streamers
  • Translation back to analog (DAC= Digital to Analog Converter)

To summarize, you need a server (somewhere, could be at a streaming service), streamer, and a DAC. 

Some audio components have multi functions like my streamer+DAC. Some components may have all 3 functions. Usually, if you plan to upgrade, it’s best to keep the functions separate.

Other “optional” sonic enhancements include upgrading power supplies, clocks, usb and Ethernet in-line filters, audiophile switches, optical isolation, etc.

ghasley
2,489 posts
 

@jmrobbie

 

Are you a Roon user or an anti-Roon user or somewhere in between? Are you wanting to use the inboard dac of your Mac or external?

lukemaximus
38 posts
 

For example, in my system I have:

server: Mac Mini M2, dedicated for storage of CD library and to run Roon.

streamer: Denafrips Arce.

dac: Chord M-scaler and Qutest.

Whatever you choose I would highly recommend burning your CD library to a server and using Roon to manage it. Amazing user interface, improved sound quality, plus it is really magical how Roon shuffles my library based on the last album or track I played, so I can enjoy hearing forgotten parts of my library seemingly mixed expertly together without me having to create a playlist.

cosmoliu
3 posts
 

I also recently upgraded from a Bluesound Node, which I’d been using happily for about 2 years. Agreed that it is a stunning value for what it does.  
 

I dipped my toe in the water with a used Aurender N100H going into my Chord TT2 and M Scaler. Living with that for about a month I decided to jump in with both feet. I originally thought I’d go for a used Aurender N20, retaining the Chord stack. I’d read about the Grimm MU1, but wasn’t seriously considering it until my dealer said that the Grimm has so upended that aspect of the digital market  as to render the competition moot. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but I wound up getting the MU2 and after successfully selling my Chord TT2 and M Scaler, I feel I’ve truly achieved an end game digital front end in a single box. If you’re looking for a one and done step, I highly recommend the MU2. 

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