Looking at best option for 20-25k for DAC Streamer combo


I currently have Lumin x1 and looking to upgrade.  I’m thinking in the 20-25K range.   I don’t need a preamp since I have the CH Precision L1.  I’m considering DCS Bartok, Aurender A30, Esoteric N-01XD, Luxman D10X (SACD player with super DAC.  I like the idea of an all in one, but open minded.  I’d like to hear you thoughts and recommendations.

128x128tontoverde

I invested a lot of time listening to digital front ends recently and my recommendation would be slightly off the norm:

Keep the Lumin as a streamer (I like the Lumin x1, it’s a very decent, nice sounding product!). IRC, it sounds good & is user friendly.

Buy a re-clocker / regenerator. IMO Ideon Audio makes the best ones; a mid-level model ("Master Time") will set you back around 5k, the top model about double that. This simple device transformed my sound

Then, get a high performance DAC and you’re set. The same company has a mid-range DAC called ION that I heard in Munich; it sounded very good (by which I mean definitely hi-end, commensurate with the level of your CH pre). In a DAC only iteration the Ion probably costs less than 15k, well within your budget for both. In fact, at your budget lvel you could opt for the "Absolute Time" which has SPDIF as well as USB inputs & accommodate your old cdp as well (if you have one).

You plug the streamer output into the "Time" and from there onto the DAC.

 

 

i have a burmester 151mk2 streamer/dac, it sounds wonderful, i would add this to your list

Tonto, just curious but where do you feel the X1 is deficient or in need of improvement?

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