Your weak link is not only the Cambridge, it’s also your Mcintosh IMO. If you’re looking for value it’s not in Mcintosh. I went to Simaudio from Mcintosh and find it’s way better dollar for dollar especially in the used market. Not saying Simaudio is the best but I’ve heard tons of gear that blows Mcintosh away at way lower price points. In terms of DACs I’d say your suggestion of Auralic G2.1 and use as a preamplifier then buy a decent amplifier like a Pass Labs, Bryston or whatever you like. I’m currently using U1 mini with Denafrips Venus. Sonus Faber Minima Amator 2 and Simaudio 340 i.
Streamer/DAC - Where is the value?
I currently have ($10K) Olympica Nova II speakers, ($11K) McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp and a (~$1.5K) Cambridge Audio 851N network player. The weak link here seems to be the Cambridge unit.
I'm prepared to upgrade my streamer/DAC situation and my budget is about $4-6K. Although there are SO many options out there and it's tough to tell where I'll find the most value. My assumption is that the DAC is going to play a much larger part in sound quality than the Streamer. I play music primarily through Tidal. I don't have requirements for server storage or any other sophisticated source capabilities.
Many of the network players come with a pre-amp which I am assuming I should rule immediately. That pre-amp would be taking a share of the overall budget. On the other hand I was thinking maybe I should buy separates. I could max out the DAC and get something good enough for the streaming. Or even continue to use the Cambridge if I really wanted. Having a beautiful screen on a good looking streamer would be nice but seems like lower priority in terms of bang for buck.
Curious to hear people's thoughts. Are there any specific units anyone would recommend as either an all in one network player or as separates? The Auralic ALTAIR G2.1 seems like the ideal all in one but it's at the very peak of my budget.
Thanks!