2. digital
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Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?

$2k & under budget

Aralic Vega has streamer  and DAC. May be the easiest start?
Then there is Schiit...Yiggy or Gumby...which streamer?
Ladder NOS dac? Or Chip? I'm old. maybe I'll like the old school DAC?
Then there is  Benchmark DAC 3...I think it has streamer?
Then
Exasound E32
Audio Mirror?
Metrum
MHDT Orchid
Border Patrol?
Musical Paradise?
Whats a newbie to do? I am a classic rock fan with lots of FLAC & M4a files. I like detail & PRaT. Love a good bass line. I also play some 70's jazz. I have a Theta Miles CD player from the 1900's & play a lot of vinyl too. But I need to come into the 21st century.  Besides, I will probably become tired of the vinyl ritual and work at some point as I get older. I think I have done enough homework to be somewhat confused. Maybe the biggest question in light of how fast digital changes is the question of streamer with DAC or separate Streamer and DAC. One other question is the streamer & bridge the same thing? OK Thanks!! 
artemus_5

Showing 2 responses by electroslacker

electroslacker
375 posts
 
Artemis, just get JRiver for your laptop and connect to a good USB DAC like a used Benchmark.  It will sound very good and you can start your streaming journey from there.

Also, if you go to Radio Paradise and set your stream to FLAC, you'll be surprised how good it sounds...with four streams to choose from and the ability to skip to next song.  Regardless of how big your CD collection is, Radio Paradise will greatly expand the musical landscape unless you just want to stay in classical or jazz content.  Also, you can run a remote desktop  from a tablet to you laptop and be awfully close to the user interface of dedicated streamers. 

Yes, dedicated streamers and reclockers can make an improvement,  but what I described isn't shabby and gets you great sound as a cost-effective baseline.
electroslacker
375 posts
 
Artemis, I agree with DJones, although I have no personal experience with either unit. The Yamaha seems a lot for a little, and a clever product. I can get caught up in exotic USB cables, but that aside, I bet the Yamaha with a nice DAC would sound great.  I didn’t see Qobuz listed as supported by Yamaha. I like Qobuz for $12/month, but sounds like that’s not an issue for you now. I’d try to listen to all the assembled pieces at the dealer if possible. Best of luck to you. 
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