2. digital
  3. 183752-177769

What are my options for music files, CD rips, and a DAC all-in-one solution?

I’m reviewing my digital chain and think it could be improved.

My current set up is this:

  • Rega Aethos amp (because of my analogue chain)
  • M-DAC Audiolab
  • Marantz CD player
  • Ripped CD files and other FLAC/WAV files converted to Apple Lossless and stored on an external harddrive. This is then managed by iTunes and connected to the DAC via a USB cable from the Mac.
  • Sonos for streaming my ripped music collection and internet radio.

My ideal scenario would be an upgraded DAC that could rip CDs and stream music services/stored files. Whether that exists or if I’d need a different unit for ripping/storing CDs I don’t know. I’ve mainly focused on my analogue chain up to now but want to focus on the digital side and improve what I have.

I’ve heard good things about Naim, but don’t need another amp. Keen to hear the thoughts of members here who are digital first.

side22olto
mahler123
3,058 posts
 

Budget?

DACs don’t rip files. They play digital files that have been sent to them from a digital source, such as CDP, PC, or a streamer. In order to rip CDs to some type of hard drive you need a ripping device.

Bluesound Vault is the budget audiophile solution for an all in one ripper/storage/streamer/DAC. It has advantages and limitations.

I would suggest keeping your present DAC and getting a streamer with storage.

If you change everything at once, which an all in one device will do, and if you wind up not liking it, which link in the chain is the problem? If you keep things separate, you can evaluate the impact of each change

fpomposo
47 posts
 

This is easy, get a Aurender A30... It has everything you want and more, 10TB hard drive, excellent DAC, internet streaming, disc ripping all in one box... I have the entry level Aurender N150 which only has a USB audio out, internet streaming, and I put a 2TB SSD hard drive in it for my pretty large .WAV music library of ripped CD's (WAV sounds much better than FLAC or apple lossless), it is a excellent unit, sounds awesome and blows away my old digital setup

brskie
67 posts
 

Auralic Altair is a great sounding one box solution

vinylshadow
412 posts
 

I've heard that a Mytek Empire is awesome. But it's more $($6k) than an Aurender A 30.

I wonder if the Empire is better than the Aurender A 30. 

rafevw
70 posts
 

I have an Innuos Zen Mini with the LPS. I have ripped over one thousand CDs into it, and I also stream a few downloaded files that I have purchased. I have been very happy. There are several caveats in my experience to consider: I did no A-B testing with other streamers, nor do I know how the Zen Mini’s DAC compares to the scores of free standing DACs that are on the market. I have not auditioned any other streamers in my home system. I did audition a Chord Qutest DAC for a day to see if it improved upon the Zen Mini’s internal  DAC. I could not hear a difference. Truth be told, I am DAC curious and would love to try some of the many new DACs on the market, but have not found the time nor committed to the additional expense. Good luck in your search! In my own system, I went from no streaming capability and a 20 year old Yamaha CD player to an all-in-one solution. I have no regrets whatsoever. 
 

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