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 3 responses by photomax

Tell us more about your amplification and speakers? Do you have a separate phono stage for your turntable? Is your cartridge a MM or MC? Best to keep these factors in mind as you narrow your choices.

Are you willing to buy used? Are you willing to try a cheaper option for a year or two and upgrade later or do you want a forever system now?

Check our John Darko’s site for a primer on DACs and the different flavors they come in. 
Folks will just toss out model names for you. But I would read more, take your time and listen to some options at dealerships if possible...
You should spend an hour two looking into Roon in case that connects with you. There can be different hardware choices in this arena.

Do you just plan on streaming or do you think you will rip a collection of CDs and play them via some storage/delivery option?

Streaming is usually managed with an app on your phone or tablet. Some apps are better than others. Lumin makes a good one. Lumin hardware is also very solid.

Another option is Linn, a Scottish firm that makes high end stuff. The Linn app is called Kazoo. This is what I use. I stream Tidal, Qobuz and my favorite radio stations via TuneIn. The entry level Linn Majik DSM is a one box streamer, DAC and 90 watt amp. It is small, does not get hot and is well supported with updates. It costs $3000 new but there are used ones for less. Just connect an Ethernet cord and your speakers and you are good to go. You can also get the matching floor standing speakers M140s for $3000 which sound great with the Majik DSM. The benefit here is you can also use Linn’s great room EQ system called Space Optimization. 
Cheaper options are SONOS or Bluesound...
If you can audition at dealers I would do so.

Try listening to a kit that is below your budget, like a Sonos maybe? Then listen to a kit that is 2x or 4x your budget. Doing so will give you a better idea how digital sounds at different price points.

If you enjoy the sound from your turntable system it is not guaranteed that you will enjoy the sound when streaming digitally as much? Sometimes the difference is minor and other times trying to improve the digital performance can send you down the proverbial rabbit hole. I like the sound from my vinyl station more than my digital system. But the flexibility, variety and ease of use that digital offers is just awesome.

As you move up the ladder for better sound quality the expense becomes out of wack. This is not linear but exponential in a way. Chasing those final percentage points can cost a ton of money. Listening to a variety of systems will train your ears to the sound quality vs dollars equation. Trust your ears and don’t rush this...