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Network Media player with Dac Recomendations

I am seaking help from those of you here with real experience with Network media players with built in DAC’s.
A bit of background:
I started with a Mac Mini and Hi-Rez files to an external DAC (benchmark DAC 1. And later my McIntosh C2500)
running all the various software players (j river etc ). Sounded surprisingly good. But could be better and simpler.
Next I have an Aurender N100 to my McIntosh C2500. Sounds better but occasionally the C2500 locks up when changing sample rates and requires a re-boot.  So now the next quest is a Media player / Network Player with DAC that is simple operate and will take the SQ to yet another level of improvement. 
I have no dealer near me so I can not easily audition in my system.   Considering :
1. Aurender A10 ( I like the idea that it stores the files internally so as not to rely on my NAS drive)
2. Naim NDX 2
3. AURALiC Vega G2
4. DCS Bartók. ( a bit more than I would prefer to spend )
5. Esoteric N-05
6. ?
Associated equipment :
Wilson Watt Puppy 6 / Watch dog sub
McIntosh C2500 tube pre
McIntosh MC 402 amp
Transparent Speaker and IC cables. Shunyata power 

Thank you

vdosc

Showing 1 response by sfseay

sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
I owned the Esoteric N-05, just didn’t like the sound compared with other streamerDAC combos I’ve heard or owned. Also, I own an Aurender N100 and the new ACS10 and really like them, but again these need an external DAC.

My favorite Streamer/DAC was the Lumin S1. Wonderful sounding unit that I purchased used. However, I sold it because there wasn’t much difference between it and my Aurender N100 connected to a PS Audio Directstream DAC.

From your choices above, I would probably go with the A10 or G2. Can’t go wrong with either one.
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