What are my options for music files, CD rips, and a DAC all-in-one solution?


I’m reviewing my digital chain and think it could be improved.

My current set up is this:

  • Rega Aethos amp (because of my analogue chain)
  • M-DAC Audiolab
  • Marantz CD player
  • Ripped CD files and other FLAC/WAV files converted to Apple Lossless and stored on an external harddrive. This is then managed by iTunes and connected to the DAC via a USB cable from the Mac.
  • Sonos for streaming my ripped music collection and internet radio.

My ideal scenario would be an upgraded DAC that could rip CDs and stream music services/stored files. Whether that exists or if I’d need a different unit for ripping/storing CDs I don’t know. I’ve mainly focused on my analogue chain up to now but want to focus on the digital side and improve what I have.

I’ve heard good things about Naim, but don’t need another amp. Keen to hear the thoughts of members here who are digital first.

side22olto

Showing 4 responses by side22olto

Not sure how to quote posters I’m replying to but I think that’s good advice from @mahler123  and I’ll look for a streamer only that also has USB input. Now I’ll research which one would fit best with my system.

I’m now thinking it would be best to get a standalone cd ripper to put all the music on an external 2TB harddrive as FLAC files, then connect this to a streamer and then into the Audiolab DAC and add a ROON account (Mac acting as the Core) to manage everything. So it’s just a question of which streamer. Don’t want to waste money on one with an expensive integrated DAC, as I have a standalone, unless it’s one that my Audiolab will be an improvement over.

 

 

Does anyone have experience with the Naim Uniti Star? Seems like a good solution for what I’m after and would run via my m-dac+.