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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!

128x128jpearson3131

Showing 1 response by facten

facten
2,764 posts
 

I don’t stream, but I suspect from reading other Forum threads on Audiogon and on WhatsBestForum with respect to your general question, that if going with separate units that the source (streamer) is no less important than the DAC. It is essentially the same with listening via CDs which I do. My personal experience in this regard, and what some other members have also found, is that lesser quality transports do not allow the DAC to realize its SQ potential. hard to believe streaming is any different. And, just my further 2 cents for whatever it may be worth,  if the DAC isn’t realizing its full potential , or the all in one unit is simply decent it doesn’t matter what the amplifier is; quality of the source matters to overall system SQ.  Also, if you go the separates route consider that your budget also needs to cover the cost of additional cables , whatever your view on cables may be, so a higher SQ quality all in one might be something to continue to consider.

 

 

 

 

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