TEAC NT505
Question re: DAC with network/streaming capability
Hi all, looking at revamping my digital front end, which comprises Meridian 206 CD player, Linn Majik DS digital streamer plus Oppo UDP-205 BD player.
My goal is to add music server/streamer capabilities while improving overall SQ while replacing Meridian & Linn.
Seriously considering Innuos Zenith mk3 given the rave review AND the facts that it ticks a few boxes: Network streamer, music server, CD ripping, supports for Roon & MQA.
Questions:
1: While Zenith does offer codec for different formats such as FLAC, AAC, MQA as well as network streaming for Tidal, Qubuz etc, can I simply focus on possibly older DAC/SACD+DAC combo (such as dCS Debussy or Playback Designs MPS-5) as long as it supports PCM and DSD over PCM (DoP), which are the output formats from Zenith?
2: IF I do get one of the newer/top end DAC like dCS Bartok where it DOES support FLAC/AAC. When I play files stored in Zenith, will I be using the Codec from Bartok or Zenith?
3: Being greedy here, IS there any device out there that incorporates the function of SACD transport/DAC/Streamer/Music server in one box while offering comparable SQ as per above combo?
My goal is to add music server/streamer capabilities while improving overall SQ while replacing Meridian & Linn.
Seriously considering Innuos Zenith mk3 given the rave review AND the facts that it ticks a few boxes: Network streamer, music server, CD ripping, supports for Roon & MQA.
Questions:
1: While Zenith does offer codec for different formats such as FLAC, AAC, MQA as well as network streaming for Tidal, Qubuz etc, can I simply focus on possibly older DAC/SACD+DAC combo (such as dCS Debussy or Playback Designs MPS-5) as long as it supports PCM and DSD over PCM (DoP), which are the output formats from Zenith?
2: IF I do get one of the newer/top end DAC like dCS Bartok where it DOES support FLAC/AAC. When I play files stored in Zenith, will I be using the Codec from Bartok or Zenith?
3: Being greedy here, IS there any device out there that incorporates the function of SACD transport/DAC/Streamer/Music server in one box while offering comparable SQ as per above combo?
22 responses Add your response
1. Yes 2. I don’t think you understand codec, the Zenith will have the software to decode FLAC/ACC sending PCM to the DAC. Unless you use the Bartok as a streamer through the ethernet connection where it takes the FLAC/ACC from a storage device or online service like Tidal then it will decode. The dCS is a streamer/ DAC. 3. Not that I am aware of. |
Tx djones51. Looks like I missed the fact that Zenith doesn’t function like a pure file server whereas a streamer/DAC like Bartok can directly retrieve a FLAC file, decode it then DA convert it. As such, I will NOT be able to use the codec from Bartok when music files are being stored in the Zenith. So the only "functional" benefit for getting a Bartok instead of Debussy/MPS-5 would be the flexibility of using Bartok OR Zenith for the Codec when listening to streaming services like Tidal. Would be interesting to see the codec performance between the two when both are fed ultimately to Bartok or same DAC for the DA stage. I have been using my macbook to rip CD onto my QNAP NAS but this is a bit cumbersome hence I was looking at the zenith to achieve this while adding the streaming function. |
Funny that you brought up CA. I actually had the x50 and after comparing head to head with zenith, I ended up selling the x50 to make room for the zenith. I don't know how much better the x45pro can/will be but given that it's got the very same DAC hip as per my Oppo 205 I'm not sure if it wud be that different sonically from the Oppo. Not to mention it doesn't do SACD. I've sort of given up on #3 but was asking just in case. Tx anyway. |
If you going the Rip Nas route sell your Majik and try find a linn klimax DS renew for streaming duties, it is a world apart from majik and akkurate. You can pick one up for £1500. Get a seperate SACD standalone.... Anything (we'll most) items that do everything either compromises or costs a fortune to do well. |
OP - Yes, I found that the expense of the dCS equipment did not translate into better sound. The Oppo 205 was on the market well before the CA X45Pro and I did pipe the audio output via the dCS. Make no mistake, the Oppo is good for what it is. The electronics used in the CA is more recent with a great OPA627BP precision high-speed opamp for “reference level sound quality" and I believe that this may the reason that the CA sounds better, to our ears. I still have the Oppo but it is relegated primarily to showing movies on the second system. It may be that my primary system is relatively new also, and way upmarket. The CA sounds much better on this system than my (also upper market) second system. I have used both DAC/Streamers on each system and my lovely wife agreed, the CA was better. In my opinion, the CA does more, has more audio formats, can rip and save locally or to NAS, streams everything, FM radio and internet radio (of course), is a Roon endpoint and on and on. It is a bit expensive, but my opinion is worth it. Check this out. https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019/06/14/cocktail-audio-x45-pro-music-player-dac-review/ AMG |
New to the thread. I think the OP has a fairly decent system. He would benefit from a better DAC and he wishes to stream and he also plays SACDs. I would look strongly at the Bryston piece that combines their DAC3 with their BDP3 streamer. The DAC has HDMI inputs, so he can play the DSD from his SACDS using the Oppo as a transport |
