In my case I still have my tube amp and tube pre amp that I bought in the mid nineties and have no plans to change them. I certainly have changed speakers over the years. But recently I decided on a good quality external DAC which is the Exogal Comet Plus. For a streamer I just purchased the Audiolab 6000N for its ease of use. It does have an internal DAC. The cost was around $600 so in a few years if it becomes out of date or unsupported, I'll just replace it.
Which combination of components (Streamer, DAC, Preamp, Amp, etc.) are most future-proof?
Hi all,
I’m in the process of gently upgrading my older, mid-fi system. I’ve started with speakers (Salk WOW1’s, REL 328 sub). I recognize that the amplification, cables, room, and source all need investment.
I’m focusing first on source(s) and how to serve them up. While I have a decent CD collection, mostly I’ve been streaming my music from ripped MP3 files and Spotify. I no longer have a working CD player. I know that higher resolution sources (lossless files or high quality streaming) is important. Re-ripping my collection may become a project.
So, here’s my question — a lot of reading has shown me a dizzying range of ways to go. Music servers/streamers, DAC, preamp, amp are available in many combinations. I’d like quality but am not inclined to spend tens of thousands of dollars; I resist going the "separates" route for *every* piece. So which combinations make the most sense? A streamer/DAC? A preamp/DAC? An integrated amp/DAC? Something else?
In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated. So, for example, if DAC’s are likely to evolve quickly, then I’d like my integrated amp to not be weighed down by a DAC which would too quickly become a vestigial organ inside it.
To reiterate the question: What combination components would best help out with some portion of the sequence of serving--converting--amplifying--digital sources materials while avoiding too-rapid obsolescence?
Thanks for entertaining the question. Again, I’ve read a lot, but it’s not made my path clear. (Or maybe I just get a PS Sprout and call it a day?)
Dave
I’m in the process of gently upgrading my older, mid-fi system. I’ve started with speakers (Salk WOW1’s, REL 328 sub). I recognize that the amplification, cables, room, and source all need investment.
I’m focusing first on source(s) and how to serve them up. While I have a decent CD collection, mostly I’ve been streaming my music from ripped MP3 files and Spotify. I no longer have a working CD player. I know that higher resolution sources (lossless files or high quality streaming) is important. Re-ripping my collection may become a project.
So, here’s my question — a lot of reading has shown me a dizzying range of ways to go. Music servers/streamers, DAC, preamp, amp are available in many combinations. I’d like quality but am not inclined to spend tens of thousands of dollars; I resist going the "separates" route for *every* piece. So which combinations make the most sense? A streamer/DAC? A preamp/DAC? An integrated amp/DAC? Something else?
In addition to resisting separates, I’d like to invest in good components which won’t quickly be outdated. So, for example, if DAC’s are likely to evolve quickly, then I’d like my integrated amp to not be weighed down by a DAC which would too quickly become a vestigial organ inside it.
To reiterate the question: What combination components would best help out with some portion of the sequence of serving--converting--amplifying--digital sources materials while avoiding too-rapid obsolescence?
Thanks for entertaining the question. Again, I’ve read a lot, but it’s not made my path clear. (Or maybe I just get a PS Sprout and call it a day?)
Dave
Showing 3 responses by jrwaudio
@kren006 That's what I thought, and very feature based for the money and uses DTS play-fi. I won't be using it's internal DAC though, as I have a nice external DAC I'm actually going to send it to my audio dealer friend that only sells top shelf equipment ie Jeff Rolland, Rockna etc. He is very critical of mass produced audio components. He's going to look inside for design and build quality. And then it's overall functionality. Audiolab has been around for a long time and for the money, I though its worth a try. This YouTube video gives a pretty good overview: Watch "Audiolab 6000N PLAY £449 HiFi Wireless Audio Streaming Network Player REVIEW & SETUP GUIDE" on YouTube https://youtu.be/TdWI2qacdoU |
@hilde45 I was also concerned about the AUDIOLAB 6000N had no display at first. But even if it did i would more than likely have to get out of my chair and go have a look at the display. Now where did I put my glasses?? I would use my smart phone or ipad to control and stream hi rez music 99% of the time anyway. With the DTS Play-fi interface they make it pretty easy to use and they are updating with new features all the time. Of coarse I'm taking a chance buying it sight on seen, but my thinking is, it's not that much money and that allows me to spend more money on a good external DAC that should not become redundant. For what ever reason the Audiolab 6000N becomes redundant in a few years it ( I would be surprized) I'll just purchase a more up to date streamer. Hey whatever you decide I'm sure you can't go wrong as there are so many great products to choose from. Good luck and the hunt is most of the fun! |