Streamer/DAC - Where is the value?
I currently have ($10K) Olympica Nova II speakers, ($11K) McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp and a (~$1.5K) Cambridge Audio 851N network player. The weak link here seems to be the Cambridge unit.
I'm prepared to upgrade my streamer/DAC situation and my budget is about $4-6K. Although there are SO many options out there and it's tough to tell where I'll find the most value. My assumption is that the DAC is going to play a much larger part in sound quality than the Streamer. I play music primarily through Tidal. I don't have requirements for server storage or any other sophisticated source capabilities.
Many of the network players come with a pre-amp which I am assuming I should rule immediately. That pre-amp would be taking a share of the overall budget. On the other hand I was thinking maybe I should buy separates. I could max out the DAC and get something good enough for the streaming. Or even continue to use the Cambridge if I really wanted. Having a beautiful screen on a good looking streamer would be nice but seems like lower priority in terms of bang for buck.
Curious to hear people's thoughts. Are there any specific units anyone would recommend as either an all in one network player or as separates? The Auralic ALTAIR G2.1 seems like the ideal all in one but it's at the very peak of my budget.
Thanks!
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I have both setups, all in one and separates. The all in one is the Auralic Vega G1 and the separates are a Bryston BDA-3 DAC with the Sonore ultraRendu for streaming. Both are wonderful, but I do prefer the Auralic Vega G1 for its compact design, wonderful screen that shows me the album art work and how simple it is to set up and stream both from my extensive collection of digital files (all types of formats) and streaming services, not to mention all in one box saves on cable expenses that then can go into the equipment. I have both connected via Ethernet and use ROON to manage my streaming; both my digital files and streaming music from streaming services. The advantage of separates are if one goes on the blink you don't loose both DAC and Streamer, and if you decide you want to upgrade the DAC down the line due to improvements you only spend money on the DAC. From what I understand the DAC is the most important piece between the two pieces of equipment but the Steamer is also very important so thinking about spending the lion's share on a DAC and then picking up an OK streamer, in my opinion, is not a good road to take. Do not cheap out on the streamer it is important and you won't be able to fully appreciate the DAC if you have a mediocre streamer. Lastly think about the program you will be managing your files from. Some streamers come with OK programs while others are much better, then there is third party programs such as ROON or JRivers. All this should be considered prior to purchasing. |
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So many amazing replies here! I’m leaning my investment into a great DAC first and streamer second. My inclination is separates because I don’t ever think I’ll be done messing around with equipment. That being said, the Auralic Vega G2.1 is at the top of my list right now. From what I gather the cost is going primarily into the DAC. Auralic makes a separate dedicated digital transport, so the Vega is really all about the DAC which has streaming capabilities. One of the industry people I follow, John Darko, places this DAC near the top of his all time list. I just hope they don’t release a new version soon after I buy it!
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Hi @jpearson3131 I second the thought that the Mac is not the best. Much clearer, more resolving components from many companies. Also, most DACs stream as well. I have a Tambaqui DAC very top line, but later adding a separate Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer madee a big improvement. Also I, have an Altair G1in a vacation home, and it is awesome, so I would assume that the nicer Altair G2.1 would be great. I think easily better than the Cambridge. GTT sells al the Auralic stuff and Bill has good advice. An Audionet Watt integrated would blow the socks off the McIntosh. He could also describe the differences in the Altair and the Vega DACs, since they seem to do similar things. |
