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Higher End DACs

I am looking for a DAC (potentially streamer&DAC) to be paired in a mcintosh system (c1100/611). Its my first foray into digital streaming and I have no need for a CD player.

I see a lot of love for Esoteric, however, most seems to be around their transports? Are they not as renowned for pure digital streaming and/or standalone DACs? I see DCS (for instance) often referenced for standalone DACs - how does Esoteric compare?
ufguy73

Showing 5 responses by hgeifman

hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
@mikelavigne, I do not understand your above post.  As you posted, if "your thinking is about 3 years behind the current bleeding edge.", what are you recommending?    Please update the post with more details.  Thanks..
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 

I own the Aurender N10 Music Server and like it very much.  I listen to Qobuz Streaming for their outstanding sound quality.  My stored CD albums also sound excellent. The "Aurender Conductor App" turns the iPad into a versatile user interface for Aurender Music Server/Players. 

As you can see from above posts, the selection of a music server is not an easy decision or process.  It seems, everyone has a DIFFERENT server recommendation.  I suggest you make a list of the important features your music server needs and your questions.  For example, please review:

1) What is your price range for a music server?

2)  What features does your server need?   For example, I wanted my CD albums stored in the same box, wanted Qobuz Streaming Services and also Internet radio stations. And, also the ability to add more additional streaming services when they become available.

3)  Do you want a DAC built into the streamer or a separate DAC?   For maximum flexibility, I decided on an external DAC.

4)  What digital outputs do you need?  I decided on a Music streamer with BOTH USB and AES/EBU digital outputs to my DAC.  In most cases, I prefer the AEB/EBU connection (a high priority for me).  Some servers offer an Ethernet audio connection for output.

5)  Is a Roon interface important to you?  If needed, you need a Roon enabled server.  I decided that Roon is not required.  In my case, the Aurender Conductor App DOES exactly what I need.  However, several of my friends purchased a Roon enabled server and likes it very much. Another friend purchased the Roonlabs Nucleus by Roon Music Server and recommends it.

6)  Your server needs a controlling App that runs on an iPad or something similar.  You need to review the App to ensure it supports your needs to easily find and manage your music selections.

7) Does your server offer Remote Internet Technical Support?  The Aurender does.  I used this once and they solved my user operational issue very quickly (my error).  

8)  Does your music server provide software updates for additional features?   Aurender updates their servers and the Conductor App to add more features, etc.

9)  Sound quality is the MOST important.  In my case, I asked many questions, talked to many people, read many reviews and auditioned various servers to help me make the right decision.   I selected the Aurender N10 Music Server for its sound quality.


I hope the above helps you make a decision.  Thanks....

 


hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
My Aurender N10 Music Server is connected to my Bricasti M21 DAC.  I use both the USB connection and the AES/EBU connection (preferred).

My Bricasti M21 DAC is in my main audio system and it is truly outstanding. It offers both a sigma delta conversion and a ladder DAC. I switched back and forth and decided the ladder DAC sounds the best. 
As I previously stated, you need to audition the equipment you are interested in.  Everyones taste and environment is different so please take your time. 
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
@ufguy73, The key words in @lalitk’s post above is "you will figure out which way to go ONLY by listening to all the aforementioned recommendations in YOUR system”.  You received over 200+ responses to your question containing many different comments and component solutions.   In addition, many of these components are at different price levels and configurations (i.e., DAC only or DAC/Preamp). 

Everyone's opinion is important, and interesting, but it is YOUR system, YOUR environment, YOUR ears and YOUR money.   As was stated, I ALSO recommend you audition some components that best match your needs.   This is the only way you are going to know what sounds best to you.  

I do not know if you are buying new or preowned.   If you are buying a new component, you need to find a retailer that understands your needs and will assist you to demo the components needed to make a decision.   If possible, for the best results, you should schedule a home audition.  

I had a very helpful retailer that allowed me to take home some integrated amplifiers to hear.  I returned the 1st amp, returned the 2nd amp and kept the 3rd amplifier.    Listening in your home system is the best way to make a decision on what component to purchase.  

In addition, some manufacturers, like SimAudio, have an offer that for any new SimAudio equipment you bought NEW, they will CREDIT you 100% of your $$ investment if you purchased the unit in the last 12 months, and 75% in the last 12-24 months.   This offer enables you to listen at home for up to one year and return it for another unit, if needed.  I had my SimAudio 2nd amp for about 6 months and then replaced it with another SimAudio amp.     
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
@ufguy73, People who love listening to music realize that it is a lot easier to put together a really good system when you choose it based on HOW it sounds to "your ears".   We do not all hear things the same, we do not all have same desires of a system's sonic delivery and character and everyone's environment is different.  In addition, everyone has a different budget meaning you choose an audio system depending on how it sounds AND how much it costs.  

I suggest you listen to your audio system, AGAIN, and see what happens.  Does the music move you? Does the music sound great? Does the music get your attention? OR, does the music sound dull and flat? Does the bass sound okay or not?  How is the imaging?  Does the music have feeling or is it dull?  Does the music sound clear and with more musical detail?  How do the vocals sound?  If your audio system sound great, you are done!  If not, then you need to examine your components and decide what change, if any, needs to be made.  Sometimes maybe all you need is a cable upgrade.  

If you are unable to make these decisions, then go listen to live music to hear what good sound sounds like.  AND, also, go to your local audio retailer and listen to their systems to help decide what you like and do not like.  Visit your friends and listen to their audio systems.   You need to audition these components and decided what sounds you like.  If you are still UNABLE to decide, it means you are NOT ready. This means you need to do more listening.  If possible, see if you can borrow a component to see how it sounds in your listening room.  And, most important, do not rush the process.   I hope this helps.
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