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Another person going digital and full of questions

I'm yet another new member trying to figure out the digital streaming world.  I've been streaming Tidal and Idagio from my desktop computer through an RME ADI-2 dac and into various headphones for a while.  Now I'd like to add digital streaming on my main system.  I'm just looking for a source that would provide streaming services to my existing preamp (Audible Illusions) amp (Audio Research) and speakers (Wilson Benesch Act 1).  I'm looking for something to complement my other sources, a VPI turntable and a Rega CD player and Benchmark 1 DAC.  I don't want to rip my CDs or play any stored music files.  So far, I'm learning that there are more recent and better DACs out there than the old Benchmark, and that I should consider a quieter box than my computer to connect to ethernet.  But I'm lost in a sea of streamers, servers, reclockers, power supplies, etcetera, most with unfamiliar brand names.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.  budget in the $5k range but can stretch a little.

mattchanoff
jeffreyw's avatar
jeffreyw
245 posts
 

@mattchanoff 

Your weak point is the Benchmark DAC. A few options for you to consider:

  1. Sell the DAC and purchase a new Aurender A200 DAC/streamer. Their Conductor app is second only to Roon, and you are done!
  2. If you keep the Benchmark, the best streamer-only in your price range is the Aurender N200 ($6K retail)
  3. The best value of streamer for the Benchmark, should you choose to keep it, is the new Lumin U2 mini.

I think the Aurender N200 is overkill for the Benchmark, and monies can be spent elsewhere.

gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 

Great info so far.

My 2 cents:

I, too, struggled to understand the streaming thing.

I started with a BS Node- very inexpensive, very capable unit. Lots of connectivity to a wide range of music services, but the included DAC, though good for the price, can be improved upon.

I moved to Aurender, which had a slightly improved sound, but very limited (Tidal and Qobuz only) apps, and no means of playing on a second system. (I like to stream to both my office and the Main system).

I now use a Innuos Zen Mini for the office and an Ayre Qb-9 Twenty.

This is a pretty decent combo and stacks up pretty well to the Brinkmann Nyquist in the main system.

The Zen Mini has an optional power supply (which my dealer says can be left out when using a good Power cord like an AQ Thunder). I also added the Innuos Phoenix USB- which adds a bit of clarity.

If you buy used, like I did, you can save a lot of money and be well below your budget.

Bob

pehare's avatar
pehare
833 posts
 

Today I received a Cary DMS-600 direct from Cary in NC that was a trade-in for 1800 delivered.  Arrived in Mint condition.  They have another DMS-500 unit for 1200 and perhaps more units available.  I've liked the Cary CD players I've had in the past 20 plus years the 306/200 & current 303/300.  I hooked it up and bought a Qobuz subscription and everything's cooking nicely.  It took me several hours but if a dumbass senior semi-computer illiterate like me can make it work - get onboard.  Cheers! 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,863 posts
 

@mattchanoff @gdnrbob 

I have an Orchid DAC with upgraded innards. I would LOVE to A/B my Node w/LPS vs. a $6k Aurender, while keeping the DAC the same. I daresay I would fail a blind test, but I'd be open to refutation. 

djones51
4,947 posts
 

Anyway, that's the best I can do at describing the elements that add up to what I'm really after, which is being transported by the music.

Are all the things you described in that post what you hear on your speaker system now? Or only on your headphone system? I assume you must be getting that on one or the other or both?

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