I was facing the same quandary and went against my rule of “buy once, cry once”. I wanted the Cambridge CNX but opted for the Node 2i. It’s a great piece of gear but unfortunately it doesn’t satisfy me sonically...now I’m hunting for a external DAC.
Can anyone recommend a good streamer/DAC?
I have tried streaming on an Astell& Kern Kann Cube and love it. Now looking for a streamer DAC combo (or both integrated in one box) to put on the rack with my living room system. I have read good things about the Cambridge Audio 851n and their CXN v2; $1,500 and $1,100, respectively. Also about the Bryston BDA-3.14, at $4,200. I am willing to pay for good quality sound and at the same time I worry that the technology may be moving fast enough that as with computers and HDTVs there will be a much better version available soon for a lot less money. Anybody know if Cambridge Audio or Bryston has anything new in the works for streamer/DACs? All recommendations will be much appreciated.
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+1 with @mahler123 I have the Bryston Pi which is a DACless streamer and Brystons entry point for streamers. The Manic Moose software is pretty bad but like @mahler123 said it dont matter if your just streaming Qobuz. I know you said yo want Streamer DAC combo but think about seperates as well. I found the Pi for ~$600 US. That leaves lots of $$ left over to get a good DAC. I like the idea of separates , especially in this case were DAC technology is moving at a rapid clip. Gives you the flexibility to upgrade the DAC. The Bryston components will be a step up from the Node. I am also testing roon and right now the way I am configured the MPD service in the Bryston beets the paints off Roon for SQ |
I use the LUMIN U1 Mini with a PS Audio DS DAC and am very happy with that combination. Additionally, all LUMIN streamers can be updated through firmware to use the LEEDH Processing algorithm which results in an even better volume control. Moreover, the LUMIN app is really outstanding to control the DAC ICs and music selections. |
- 55 posts total