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 1 response by mwatsme

+1 for Bluesound Node2i.
I have the NAD C388 (integrated Ncore-based amp) with BluOS2i integrated module (occupies one of the MDC slots). Heard NAD is discontinuing this topology - but they work great. WiFi, Amazon UltraHD, no cables, great interface using BluOS on PC/tablet/phone app.

Side note: Using C388 for the digital experience, and full range RCA outs to a miniDSP4x10 (for DSP control) to Crestron 12x60 (made by ATI) for class A/B experience. Needed DSP and multi-channel amp for LXmini and other speakers rotating through the demo stable (to compare LXmini against) - currently Tekton DI. LXmini require active crossover, and comparing other speakers requires adjusting gain to eliminate volume bias during A/B - that is all handled by the DSP config.

BluOS2i interface works very well by BluOS app. Any service, including Tidal with native MQA unfolding, is available. Or even by Bluetooth (for non-critical listening) from a PC/tablet/phone running any other (not BluOS) app.