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How do you assess a DAC?

I've currently got an Audiolab M-Dac+ and am now going to add a streamer to my system, a lot of which have inbuilt DACs. I'd like to know whether the DAC in the streamers, such as the iFi NEO stream and others I'm considering, is going to be better than my Audiolab, in which case I'd spend a bit more for an "upgrade" and sell on my DAC.

Is it a matter of taste or can I compare certain specs to get an answer?

side22olto

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
10,009 posts
 

I’d suggest looking at the Innuos Zen that is a streamer and also has an onboard CD drive and onboard storage so you can rip all your CDs directly into it so all in one box and is about the same price as the Auralic. Plus it includes their excellent Sense app that gets high marks for both sound quality and interface and is constantly being upgraded to improve both, and they offer very good customer support if ever needed. Just another option to explore.

https://www.tweekgeek.com/innuos-zen-mk3/

soix
10,009 posts
 

I’m thinking max £4k for a streamer and then upgrade the DAC later in the year.

That’s a great plan and a really nice budget for a great streamer.  I’d recommend checking out the new Innuos Pulse streamer.  It’s a bit under your budget and packs a lot of Innuos’ latest thinking along with their excellent Sense app that’s constantly being updated for better performance and sound, and if ever needed they also have outstanding customer service.  Best of luck and do keep us posted on your future choices for both streamer and DAC and your thoughts on both if you could.  Best of luck in your quest!

soix
10,009 posts
 

Keep the DAC and streamer separate.  Get a good streamer and then upgrade your DAC when you can.  Just my $0.02 FWIW. 

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