I’d recommend an iFi Zen Stream ($399 new) and a Musician Draco DAC ($750 new). I have the Zen Stream and Musician Pegasus, which is a great combo, but according to reviews at stereonews.net the Draco offers almost all the performance of the Pegasus for $500 less. Plus, your friend can look forward to significant upgrades in the future if desired and budget allows by upgrading the power supply of the Zen Stream and adding a DDC like the Musician Pisces or Denafrips Iris that’d allow him to take advantage of the Draco’s i2S input. Just my $0.02 FWIW.
Node 2i what is better at that price, just need the streamer section?
Helping a friend that wants to get into streaming he has $1000 budget for streamer and dac, all used prices. He is now using vintage gear with just turntable. He wants me to pick it and have it sent to him.
I do not know much about a streamer in the under $400 range. I started with Auralic Aries femto clock and now have the G2 so I have no clue we’re to start for him other than the Node.
if you have any streamer dac combo suggestions more the merrier. I told him the Denafrips Aries I’ve heard one and had a Pontus. My thoughts to start off, you can always sell it pretty easy Node 2i and Denafrips. Thanks for helping my friend.