If you like the AN DAC so much why not get a streaming device with the network connectivity you need and run that into the AN? That's what I do running an Aries Mini into an AN DAC-3 Sig, mine doesn't do hi-rez but pretty sure the more current AN DACs can do at least 24/96? Yours being an ANK and not AN I am not totally sure of its capabilities. You may find a DAC that pushes all the buttons you need but its going to be hard to recreate that AN sound. Just my opinion of course.
Ideas for my next DAC....?
Requirements:
1- USB and Ethernet capable
2- Plays all/most hi-res formats
3- Can serve as my pre-amp/volume control with no SQ degradation
Price range: 6-10k used or demo
Tbh I'm really just starting to collect ideas to compare to my current DAC, which I actually like quite a bit, but just - as always - wondering "what else is out there".
Since retiring my Audio Note DAC, I haven't had a chance to listen to anything other than the DSD, which makes me itchy. I loved the AN -- actually it sounded incredible -- but it's technology lost pace with the rest of my system (limited hi-res capability, no network connectivity option far as I'm aware, and I hadn't done USB so would have to send it in).
1- USB and Ethernet capable
2- Plays all/most hi-res formats
3- Can serve as my pre-amp/volume control with no SQ degradation
Price range: 6-10k used or demo
Tbh I'm really just starting to collect ideas to compare to my current DAC, which I actually like quite a bit, but just - as always - wondering "what else is out there".
Since retiring my Audio Note DAC, I haven't had a chance to listen to anything other than the DSD, which makes me itchy. I loved the AN -- actually it sounded incredible -- but it's technology lost pace with the rest of my system (limited hi-res capability, no network connectivity option far as I'm aware, and I hadn't done USB so would have to send it in).