2. digital
  3. 191182-2962

Upgrade to PS Audio Direcstream Mk1 and Mac Mini?

Looking at upgrading my digital sources and potentially getting a streamer.  My Mac Mini just died so I need to do something- I use that for streaming Roon and Qobuz. I am also reading the excellent reviews for the new PS Audio Direcstream Mk2. I have the Mk1. People have recommended Rose150B.  The Rose150B seems to be a great streamer, potentially not as good as a DAC as the PS Audio MK1/MK2 and not a great pre-amp.    If I added a pre-amp to my chain like the Lamm 2.1 would I see a material improvement in sound vs going "direct" via the DAC?    Trying to figure out, do I keep a mac mini type music server and upgrade to PS AudioDirectstream Mk2. Do I replace my PS Audio MK1 with a Rose150B or am I going to need a separate streamer and a separate DAC.  

My current system: 

PS AudioDirectStream DAC/Bridge2 - connected to MacMini music server running - using PS Audio device as pre-amp
Thiel 7.2 Speakers
Lamm M1.2 Monoblocks 
 

Thx

Malcolm 

mwthorne

Showing 1 response by fastfreight

fastfreight
898 posts
 

…think Grimm MU1 and MU2, top of the line Innuos. But they’re in a different price category than the PS Audio DAC.
Something to think about. Oh and the Grimm units have a built in DAC.

Just for clarification, the Grimm MU1 is Roon Core (Server) and Roon endpoint (Streamer)  The Grimm MU2 is all this PLUS DAC.

I have the Grimm MU1 with a Tambaqui DAC and it sounds excellent, and yes a different price point.  And, while I agree to keep streamer and DAC separate, the MU2 seems to be a combo unit with little compromise.

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