Well, here’s what I’d do — get an iFi Zen Stream with their upgraded linear power supply (yeah I know, but it makes a big difference at relatively low cost), and since you’re an analog guy I’d recommend a good R2R DAC like a Denafrips Pontus ll. Beyond the scope of this thread, at some point I’d add an optical connection between your router and DAC, which can be done for only about 80 bucks. And go with Qobuz, NOT Tidal with their silly MQA BS. Best of luck.
Wanting to upgrade my streaming sound quality.
I would really like to get my streaming sq up to my analog sq. My equipment is a McIntosh MC 452, C47, TD 124 with an AT 150 SA on a SME M2-9 tone arm, a Rega P8 with an Alpheta 3, a restored MR 74 tuner, driving Aerial 7t speakers. My streaming now is an iPad with a usb cable into my preamp with Tidal. I would be willing to spend around $2500 . A one box solution would be preferable for a steamer/dac combo although two boxes could also work. I’m not interested in multiple clocks and separate power supplies etc. Also I don’t use CD’s for a source. I do have AT&T fiber internet with up to 1000 mb speed and my modem is only around 5 feet from my audio rack. Balanced inputs is preferable but not a deal breaker. I’ve looked at the HiFi Rose 250 and the 150 although the latter is more money than I want to spend. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m an Analog guy in a digital world.
Greg