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Help with DAC and Streamer suggestions

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and spending lots of time listening to great music!

Before I ask for your advice, I thought it would be good to tell you my system:
  • Martin Logan Summit X speakers connected with Acoustic Zen Hologram II speaker cables.
  • Shiit Yggy DAC connected with Acoustic Zen Matrix II reference interconnect.
  • Bryston BDP-1 music player connected with Kimber Kable D-60 digital cable.
  • Oppo 105D for SACDs, modified by Ric Shultz connected with Toto Tungsten interconnects.
  • Prima Luna Dialogue HP integrated amp with original tubes.
  • Furman Elite 20 power conditioner.
  • I have a dedicated 20 amp line running to all audio electronics.
  • All electronics are connected with Pangea power cords.
  • All music passes through Roon on my computer, and while playing music the computer does nothing else.  The computer has a direct connection to the internet, and all music is sent to the streamer via Cat-7 cable.
  • I listen to Tidal primarily, along with some of my own FLAC files.
 I want to change my music streamer and DAC.  I'd like something that will make the 2nd unfold of MQA, but that's not a deal killer.  I have around $6,000 to spend, and I'm fine with used equipment from Audiogon.

Here is what I've been considering:
  • Primaluna EVO DAC - $3,000, not MQA, won't add a better streamer, but might sound great with my Primaluna integrated.
  • Aurender A10 streamer/DAC combo - $5500 new, will make the MQA unfold.  Not sure about combining the streamer and DAC.
  • Mytek Manhattan II DAC with network card - $4700 new, does not add a better streamer.
  • Roon Nucleus Plus streamer ($2500) and perhaps a better DAC.
  • Small Green Computer Sonictransporter I5 for Roon and music ($1075) and better DAC.
  • Keep the Bryston and buy a Holo Audio May DAC ($5,000).
  • Certainly open to other suggestions.
As you can see, lots of options to choose.  :( 

I live in a very small town in Central Oregon and can't audition different components.

 I'd love to hear your suggested changes for my DAC and streamer!

Thank you!

Steve
smills59

Showing 7 responses by smills59

smills59 OP
54 posts
 
Da, that would have been nice to add!  I listen to mostly jazz, female jazz, classical strings, piano.  Looking at my favorites in Tidal, here is the list:
  • Nora Jones
  • Neil Diamond
  • Susie Shu
  • Civil Wars
  • Emmylou Harris
  • Allison Krauss
  • Holly Cole
  • George Winston
  • Dianna Krall
  • Julia Fordham
  • David Lanz
  • Camille & Julie Berthollett
  • Melody Gardot
  • Chris Botti

Lots more of that type...

Steve
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
The Small Greem Machine option would be the SonicTransporter I9 at $2700 with internal hard drive.

Steve
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
You are correct about the Yggy being a great DAC.  I guess I was thinking of changing that so I can get the 2nd unfold of MQA.  Neither my DAC nor the Bryston can do that.

I'm thinking about adding a Roon Core device so it can be used for only that purpose, instead of the computer.  I've read this is a better setup.

If I have a Roon Core doing the first MQA unfold, perhaps adding an MQA ready music streamer capable of the 2nd unfold would be the best option, then sending the signal to the Yggy.  To do that, I'd need/want a music server without a DAC (no need to pay for that). Something like the Lumin U1?

Steve

 
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
Perhaps there is another way of looking at this.  If I have a Roon Core on a separate unit such as a Nuc or Nucleus, do I need a music server/streamer?  What does that add to the sound as it moves from the Roon Core to the DAC?  Or do I need the streamer as a Roon endpoint since the Yggy is not supported?

Steve
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
Thanks, kmmd2.  This may be an embarrassing question from me, but are you saying that I'll get more resolution from the Yggy using a good quality USB cable than the RCA cables I'm currently using?  So coming out of the Roon Rock Nuc direct to the Yggy via USB?

What would adding a music streamer between the Nuc and Yiggy provide? 

I've never considered this option...
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
I'm currently using Roon Core to my Bryston BDP-1, which is the Roon Endpoint.  From there to the Yggy via BNC cable.  I'm using a Lan cable from the Core to the Bryston.  The Bryston is pretty old technology, but still nice.  I see a few Lumin U1 Minis on AG for a decent price.  The U1 does not have a DAC, but is also Roon Ready.  

Think the Lumin will add improvement over the Bryston?
smills59 OP
54 posts
 
Thanks,  everybody! I decided to upgrade some of my cables and put my NUC into an Akasa fanless case.  Thinking about a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan DAC for MQA. Going to do more research on this.   

Thank you again! 
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