For those that have separate Streamers & DACS
What are some of your favorite streamers/servers strictly from a sound quality perspective? Please assume a stand-alone DAC. I've read such a variety of opinions on streamers and was interested in opinions from those that have tried different streamers on with their DACs.
Get an Aurender N20 it's the sweet spot, Aurender is a major brand with good support and resale value. Computer based servers will have you fiddling around, forget it. If you are positive you never want a pre-amp, I'd consider a Lumin U1. People will try to confuse you with esoteric and exotic brands but where will they be in a few years? An N20 is the best bang you'll get this side of 20 grand. |
@sns I have a double tailed USB cable with the power pin taped over at both ends, so the signal side is not influenced by any RFI/EMI. However the 5vdc power side ground is still connected. I have tested with and without 5vdc ground but ground sounds better. My USB to I2s DDC is powered by a quality LPS, no power from USB. I2s RJ45 cable into my Musetec 005. The sound is superb but the USB and I2s cables are high quality. I have thought about optical isolation but honestly the sound I'm getting is wonderful. |
