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Help me pick a stream with DAC

My earlier 2 channel setup -- Bluesound Node 2i >> Cambridge Audio Azur 851D Dac >> Chronus Magnum 2 >> Harbeth P3esr.

I recently acquired a Quicksilver head amp for my headphone listening and moved the Node 2i to the headphone rig since I don't have an ethernet connection in that room. So now I'm looking for a streaming solution for the 2 channel setup. I'm temporarily using an Apple TV going into the Cambridge Audio DAC, but I can clearly notice a drop in SQ compared to the Node. The sound is harsh and fatiguing, and the holographic nature of sound courtesy of the Chronus Magnum is nowhere to be found. So here I am looking for a better solution. So far here are my choices, but of course I'm open to suggestions as long as it stays within $2500 new or used ...

1. Buy another Bluesound Node and hook it up to my CA dac. This is what I had before and at least it's a devil that I know. This is going to be the cheapest route, but I wonder if there is something better out there. 

2. Cambridge Audio CXN v2 -- this will replace the Node and DAC, but it's pretty much the same DAC as I have now. This is the second cheapest solution.

3. Innuos Zen Mini MK3 -- great reviews and seems to be favored by a number of folks here as well. I'm not sure about the quality of the DAC though. Will it be a noticeable step up compared to my current CA dac? I do like the fact that it can act as a Roon core, but I think it only works with an ethernet connection. I often move my equipment to different parts of the house where I might not have an ethernet port available, so that counts against the Innuos. Yes, I understand that ethernet is usually the preferred route, but I want the flexibility just in case. Plus, I will have to pay someone to add an ethernet connection since I'm not all that handy when it comes to dropping wires across the house.

4. Mytek Brooklyn Bridge -- again, great reviews but I've also read that it can sound a bit clinical (read: not warm). Of course, it's also the most expensive compared to others. Also, I don't see myself using the headphone amp, phono or preamp if I get the Brooklyn, so am I paying for stuff I probably will never use?

A few things to consider ...
I don't want to spend more than $2500.
I don't really need a preamp, headphone amp and phono. Really, the main requirement is a streamer + DAC. Or maybe just a streamer if you guys feel the CA dac that I have now is good enough.
I don't intend to rip CDs or connect to another local device/NAS, etc. Pretty much streaming all my music nowadays.

I will really appreciate it if you guys can provide further guidance and/or alternatives that I might not have considered yet.
128x128arafiq
10 responses Add your response
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,665 posts
 
Okay, so this is what I’m thinking now ...

I ran an ethernet cable (CAT6) along the wall, snuck underneath my carpet and attached to the Bluesound Node 2i. To be very honest, I don’t hear any improvement but maybe Bluesound is not revealing enough to show the difference, who knows.

Anyways, I’m leaning heavily towards Innuos Zen Mini MK3. Based on my research, it is definitely a better streamer than the Node. It can also act as a Roon core which is a big plus that neither the Teac nor the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge offer. Further, it provides a better upgrade path. If I don’t like the built-in DAC, I can try other DACs overtime. I really want to try R2R or tube DACs. I can add external PS if needed. I think the Zen Mini can provide a stable streaming and Roon foundation upon which I can build my system and scratch the upgraditis itch whenever it gets out of control.

Having said that, the Brooklyn Bridge is also a compelling proposition. It’s like a swiss army knife that can also acts as the foundation for a good streaming platform. But of course it is almost $1200 more. Decisions, decisions ....
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,665 posts
 
I'm getting ethernet installed in my study next week, so hopefully that will open up more possibilities. But still I would prefer a unit with wifi capability for the added flexibility just in case.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Mytek Brooklyn Bridge. Not sure if it is due to the fact that not many here own it, or if it's not considered as good as the Innuos or Teac. There are some positive reviews on the internet but it seems that it might be a tad too bright for my taste. Would love to hear from someone who owns, or has owned, it.

Another one I saw was the Sony HAP-Z1ES which can be had for around $1200 used. Not sure if they have kept up with new technology to warrant the higher price.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
innuos good but ethernet only, no wifi streaming
soix
9,456 posts
 
I’d recommend the Innuos Zen Mk.lll.  It’ll sound better than the Node with your DAC and better still if/when you upgrade your DAC.  And yeah I’d pony up the $ if necessary to run an Ethernet wire if necessary because it’ll be well worth it, but that’s me.  Best of luck. 
jackd
1,068 posts
 
Other than the price difference it comes down to the difference between ESS and AKM based DAC's plus the control app. The Teac operates off of the Lumin app which is one of the best in the business.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,665 posts
 
Teac NT-505 sounds interesting and I like the price too! Has anyone compared it to Mytek Brooklyn Bridge which is almost 40% more expensive than Teac? Let me do my research on Teac and MiniDSP. In the meantime, please feel free to suggest other alternatives.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
MiniDSP SHD with DSP for a bonus.
Worth trying out.
jackd
1,068 posts
 
Also Teac NT-505 and Lumin D2 in that order and I have owned both. The Teac has the far more advanced DAC and also digital inputs for other things like a CD player or input from a TV. With the Zen Mini you really need to buy the outboard power supply also to get best performance and the same with the D2.
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
Teac NT-505 or Lumin D2 would be at the top of my list.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,665 posts
 
Sorry about the title ... it should have said 'streamer', not 'stream', lol!
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