Streamer vs Airport 2nd gen

Get a good streamer and run an Ethernet cable from one of the Mesh nodes to it and you’ll be in a much better place.  Ditch Apple.  If you share your budget and if you’re looking for new or used you’ll get good recommendations here. 

Soix thanks.  Probably used and under 1k. I probably need a better DAC.  I have a 10 year old Cambridge Audio DAC Magic which I would like to replace.  I think it may be important to try a server first.  Your suggestion to run the Ethernet from a node is not possible.  My Main or primary router is near the stereo.  Do I have to connect to the Mesh node rather than the main router with a server?

@soix 

+1

If you are close to the router... by all means connect to the main router. But make sure your audio system isn't too close to the router / modem or it will interfere with the system. For most folks the router is not close, and they can use an extender or nearby node. 

You are at a critical junction. If you get an inexpensive streamer with a DAC then the whole thing might sound better immediately but then later when you are going upgrade the DAC you have wasted money. 

I'd look at it long term. A good investment level is Streamer = DAC = Preamp = Amp (lots of research... make sure the best and compatible components... don't just make a decision on cost). 

So, you can plan one upgrade at time... like maybe streamer first... if you want to stay budget... go one way, if you want your whole system getting better, then chose a really good used streamer, then upgrade the DAC. 

Long termed thoughts?

I am leaning to the long term solution which is why it seems starting with the source may be a good approach. Thanks for the input.

So what would be your long term investment level for a component. $1K ? $2K? $3K?... an integrated amp counts for two so 1/2 cost. 

There are large differences in streamer sound quality... but given sufficiently good and resolving other components. Typically speakers cost more than an electronic component. Not a hard rule... just it generally works that way. My systems have nearly always settled around 25% speakers, 20% Streamer, 20% DAC, 20% Preamp, 20% amp. 

Thanks.  Those percentages make sense.  Speakers and new amp are in the future. I'm leaning to $1K per component and 2-4K on speakers. 

Cool. Then, I'd recommend getting the speakers before the new amp. Let the speakers brake in and fully get to know them before striking out to get the amp. Then you can get an amp which complements the speakers... and enjoy the new speakers for a while.