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Digital separates or all in one music hub

My digital front end is lacking and I would like to upgrade my DAC as well as get a digital streamer. As of now I currently stream tidal with my MacBook Pro through a dragonfly cobalt into my integrated amplifier. So there is a lot of room for improvement. With that being said, would it be better to invest into a single unit such as a marantz SACD 30n or Arcam ST60 (just examples) that have everything I would want in one package. Or would I get better performance if I were to invest into a dedicated streamer, DAC, and SACD/CD player?

also how much am I really missing out on by listening through my MacBook the way that I am? Would it be worth while for me to get a less expensive streamer such as a used bluesound node while I save for something better?

james1911

Showing 1 response by soix

soix
9,976 posts
 

would I get better performance if I were to invest into a dedicated streamer, DAC, and SACD/CD player?

Absolutely!  Plus, as both technologies continue to evolve at a rapid rate, why would you wanna be stuck with one if/when the other has a breakthrough you’d like to have.  I’d recommend an iFi Stream with upgraded power supply and then choose the DAC that best exhibits the sound qualities you’re looking for.  Also, an optical interface between your router and streamer would also be a significant upgrade and can be done for only $80, but that’s a subject for another thread.  Bottom line — GO SEPARATES WITH DIGITAL.  FWIW, and best of luck. 

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