Streamer/DAC - Where is the value?

My assumption is that the DAC is going to play a much larger part in sound quality than the Streamer.

I disagree with this IME.  Initially I thought the same thing, but everything in the streaming chain from switches to cables to streamers, for whatever reason, seems to make a big difference.  Toward that end, I’d buy a separate streamer and DAC as both technologies are progressing quickly so the flexibility to upgrade one when a meaningful improvement occurs in the other you can just upgrade that and keep the other.  And I’d recommend spending around 50/50 on the DAC and streamer to keep it balanced.  You could do something like a Lumin streamer and a Gustard R26 DAC and have a really great combo that doesn’t break the bank and will likely be a significant upgrade over the Cambridge.  Just one option to ponder, and best of luck. 

Maybe I am missing something in this thread but the MA 9000 has a high quality DAC built in. I would think a streamer with a bit perfect digital out should be all that is needed for excellent sound.

Perhaps keeping the Cambridge and changing to a different dac? Currently using a Bluesound Node2 for its dependability but outputting to Schitt Yggdrasil GS at the moment and like what I’m hearing . I like the ability to change out the dac  to experiment with the different characteristics of other units.

@mahler123 

10-22-2022 at 08:46am 

“ ,,,Bryston’s DAC is fantastic.  The streamer sounds great but has the worst software management program imaginable.  I would avoid.,,”
 

you have a valid point ..,, the Manic Moose freebee software is clumsy with room for improvement 

EZ PZ FIX: RIGELIAN 3rd party app .., $5 a month subscription …. Problem solved … done!

I think it’s worth mentioning, but atypical. I recommend Apple TV 4K s the source. They have a tidal and quobuz app, but Apple music is in my source after years of hoping the other companies were going to better them in quality . Not to mention you can control it from any apple device. Or attach a monitor. You just need a splitter to take the audio stream out of the HDMI output. My system is all Electrocompianet, DAC, Preamp and mono blocks. Then into Maggie 1.7. It’s good to think it’s just a part of the whole system, I’ve auditioned dozens of pricier options Lumin being the top, hated using it (interface) but no real magic. Considering you can demo it easily, it’s 200 bucks out so, try with the Cambridge DAC (had that once upon a time) and see. I went through Denafrips, Topping, and half dozen more DAC’s so you’ll have to see what clicks, but Apple won’t break your budget.