2. digital
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Streamer/DAC

Hello guys, man do I enjoy my McIntosh system, but looking for a minor/major upgrade in my streamer.  Hopefully, you guys can help me out

I’ve commented in this forum a few times before. Please, any negativity towards my system/Layout can you keep it to yourself 

Thank you very much for that.

I have:

Mcintosh C53, pair of McIntosh 601’s, pair Martin Logan Renaissance 15a’s and a Bluesound node 2

I Don’t really want to invest in a new DAC.  I think the one in my McIntosh C53 is adequate enough  

Question is, if I invest in a new streamer can I expect major improvements in my sound, and if so what would you recommend 

 

 

preslisa64
preslisa64 OP
37 posts
 

Sorry, one other question. Is there a big difference in the U1 vs the U1 mini. Which one should I consider

rsf507
2,228 posts
 

A bit late to this thread but if I was in the OP position I'd have the Bricasti M5 and a Roon Nucleus at the top of my list. Made in the good US of A and Bricasti's customer support is about as good as it gets.

Good luck whichever route you go.

overthemoon
402 posts
 

Op, what is your goal?

Basic units like the Node 2i provide streamer and DAC functionality.  You are currently only using the streamer capability.

Akin to an integrated amp - you can get a component or break things into separates (streamer and DAC).

When I was at the inflection point of "I like digital, it's convenient - how can I make it sound better"; I ended up getting a streamer/DAC. I found it easier for me and felt the improved sound and experience was worth the money.  I bought a Moon 280D (~$3k)

ghdprentice
6,445 posts
 

I highly recommend an Aurender Streamer… like the N100 or better. The streamer makes a huge difference in sound quality and Aurender is at the pinical of performance. Other than my speakers, my Aurender Streamer is the most expensive component of my system (their flagship W20SE)… totally worth it. I have tried Aurlic Aries G2 and a dozen combinations of PC, MACs, and iPads… streamer… only way to go.

deer_creek_audio's avatar
deer_creek_audio
63 posts
 

Something to consider with a new streamer is Dirac Live.

Dirac Live resolves the soundstage with improved clarity and intelligibility with all instruments and vocals. With the room correction aspect you'll experience deeper and tighter bass free of resonances throughout the listening area, with greater transparency and the removal of distracting artifacts.

The miniDSP SHD Studio is a good example of a streaming high definition digital audio processor for users who wish to retain their existing DACs.

Dirac Live uniquely combines frequency response correction as well as impulse response (time domain) correction in the digital domain. Fixing time domain anomalies is an impressive advancement for any audiophile system.

 

 

 

The downsides are the increased complexity and effort needed to fully integrate Dirac Live, and also you may prefer he Bluesound NODE 2 user interface.

Deer Creek Audio is an authorized miniDSP SHD Studio dealer.

 

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