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 mahler123

Bryston’s DAC is fantastic.  The streamer sounds great but has the worst software management program imaginable.  I would avoid.

  My personal setup is the aforementioned Bryston DAC with  the Cambridge Audio CXN 60.  If you purchased the Bryston DAC and ran your Cambridge into it it would essentially be the same.  I also have the Melco N100 in the system which I  mainly use as a NAS, but it can be used as a player via usb and doesn’t sound that different from the CA.  I prefer the CA Stream Magic app, and occasionally I use the CA Chromecast to stream content such as the BBC Radio 3 from my phone, so it is just easier to stay with the CA.  The Bryston DAC is now getting a bit old in the tooth but at it’s price point I prefer it to the competition that I have been able to audition