@dhcod
I deleted my prior post as I hadn't read your original post carefully enough.
I don't have an exit planned for vinyl at this point, but I was looking for a listenable digital solution for listening to new music, casual listening, etc.
The first thing I tried was an Innuos Zen mini which has a DAC built into the Innuos (one box solution). The results compared to my vinyl setup were inadequate for my needs, with the sound quality too low.
A few years later I tried and purchased an Innuos Zen III in combination with a Line Magnetic lm 32 dac. This provided sound, that while not as good as my analog setup, was much less expensive, listenable and quite good. I also used ROON for this setup. I don't think it significantly affected the sound quality, but it made a significant improvement to the overall experience.
This two box solution might work for you because the two units are stackable. You could improve the sound quality further by using a Innuos Zenith and/or a better DAC, but these components fit the price point in my budget for digital as well as being available locally.
You can see a picture in my system which is posted. There is also a Linn CD player sitting on top of the Innuos and LM units.
Best of luck with your search.
Jim Perry
I deleted my prior post as I hadn't read your original post carefully enough.
I don't have an exit planned for vinyl at this point, but I was looking for a listenable digital solution for listening to new music, casual listening, etc.
The first thing I tried was an Innuos Zen mini which has a DAC built into the Innuos (one box solution). The results compared to my vinyl setup were inadequate for my needs, with the sound quality too low.
A few years later I tried and purchased an Innuos Zen III in combination with a Line Magnetic lm 32 dac. This provided sound, that while not as good as my analog setup, was much less expensive, listenable and quite good. I also used ROON for this setup. I don't think it significantly affected the sound quality, but it made a significant improvement to the overall experience.
This two box solution might work for you because the two units are stackable. You could improve the sound quality further by using a Innuos Zenith and/or a better DAC, but these components fit the price point in my budget for digital as well as being available locally.
You can see a picture in my system which is posted. There is also a Linn CD player sitting on top of the Innuos and LM units.
Best of luck with your search.
Jim Perry