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Does the 'Buck' Start with the DAC?

Some members have expressed that the server / streaming front end is less important than the DAC.

I subscribe to the position that "Everything Matters"

As I consider front end choices, I'm trying to gauge if I should be leaning more heavily on a DAC versus a SOURCE (server / streamer).

Feedback and perspective from both camps, or any others, will be helpful. Thank you.

Please Note:  I'm not looking for validation of the position that "only the bits" matter... I accept that some believe this wholeheartedly... and that's okay by me. 
david_ten

Showing 2 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,082 posts
 
@skanda,

Thanks for posting your feedback. I hope you were using i2s connection between the wavedream net and wavedream se DAC? I’ve heard through i2s the pair kicks into another level of audio bliss.

Personally, I would not sell wavedream net unless you get a chance to A/B with Taiko Extreme. I have no doubts that you will hear an uptick in performance with Taiko but only you can justify Taiko performance worth spending the extra $18K.

I am in everything matters camp, so I agree server (source) is just as important as your downline components....DAC, Preamp, Amp, cables and speakers.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,082 posts
 
“Because the DAC is the link between the digital and analog portions”. 
+1, thyname. 
I went through fair share of DAC’s in my pursuit for soul stirring digital front end. The EMM DA2 has ended my quest for a SOTA digital to analog converter under $25K. 
Count me in the camp of ‘Everything Matters’.   
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