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Time for an all in one streaming solution

Hey guys and gals.

I'm looking for advice on all in one streaming solution/DAC that can compete with my Chord 2Qute DAC in terms of detail, transparency and size of soundstage in the US $1500 range.

I was running a Macbook Pro running Audirvana and Tidal Hi Fi.  I then moved on to an Allo DigiOne which bested my Macbook set up in terms of sound quality but is a real headache dealing with a bunch of apps (Volumio/BubbleUPnP etc) and crappy interfaces.  And I require something my wife can operate comfortably. 

Now here is the dilemma, most systems are trying to remove brightness/glare or smooth off the treble.  That's not what I'm after.  The best synergy with my system comes with something that is very open, transparent with a lot of detail that a lot of folks may find too revealing.  (I run tubes and Audionote AN-E speakers)

The Cambridge Azur 851N is currently at the top of my list.  The sound has been described as muscular with nice detail and openness on top.  To be honest it's only at the top of my list mainly because of the price and I'm not sure of many other contenders at this price point.  

I'm not willing to sacrifice sound quality to get into a streamer though.

Or do I keep the Chord 2Qute and run an Aurender N100 or Auralic Aries with it?

Thanks for the input!





 

 




hfaddict

Showing 6 responses by hfaddict

hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@jond Thanks for the info. I will be running a wired connection.

Great to hear from someone else with Audionotes.

I have wondered if there would be much for sonic differences between say a Aries or Aurender because they both end up going through the DAC anyways.

hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@jond I’ve also contemplated just picking up the Cambridge CXN streamer and running it to my Chord 2Qute as you can run an external DAC with them. They are a very good looking unit with a nice user interface.

Ideally I would love to gain another level of sound quality but I think that’s doubtful at this price point and considering the 2Qute is already an overachiever for the money. (My opinion only)
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@jond Absolutely agreed on the interface and usability! 
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
Thanks again for the information! I am now spending a bit more money but have decided to upgrade my DAC (Trying out an LKS MH-DA004) and purchase a Cambridge CNX just for control of internet streaming and its damn good looks.
hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
Thank you @david_ten and @spinaker01 Thanks for the suggestions gents.

@audioengr Thank you for that info.  I have actually run across your post there a few times over the last year or so.  Very nice unit but is out of my budget.  

I ended up purchasing an LKS MH-DA004 DAC and Auralic Aries Mini for the streaming duties. The Auralic will be connected to ethernet.

If you don’t mind me asking, what output do you recommend I use? (USB or co-ax?)

hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict OP
97 posts
 
@audioengr Makes perfect sense, will do.  Thanks again.  
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