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Time To Upgrade My Digital Front End

Been streaming via a LAN connection (through SFP’s) using my Gustard R26 DAC as a renderer and have been pretty happy with the sound quality, but I think I would like to step things up a little.

Many here mention the likes of Aurender, Auralic, Innous, and a few smaller, boutique companies as well. Most of these are a bit over my budget though.

I have been reading about the TEAC UD 701 DAC/Server/PA here on AG and some other sites and it’s getting decent write ups. I’m finding though that most of those threads on AG don’t have some of the more seasoned member’s opinions on the TEAC. Is it possibly not up to par?

The UD 701 is around $4K, under my budget of $5K. I’m not opposed to purchasing used (I see one on presently on AG) but would really like to have the security the warranty provides.

And I know, separates are preferred which the TEAC is not...

 

128x128navyachts
ghdprentice
6,439 posts
 

The Aurender Conductor app is very good. The sound quality of the Aurrender streamers are excellent at all price points. If you could get a used or demo N200, you would be getting an outstanding streamer.

‘I used to own an Aurlic Aries G2… I would recommend the Aurrender.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,082 posts
 

@navyachts 

With your preference for Roon, consider Innuos or Lumin. Aurender is coming out with Roon certification soon. Having heard both Roon and Conductor side by side, I still prefer Conductor app SQ by a mile, just my .02 cents. 

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

“Many here mention the likes of Aurender, Auralic, Innous, and a few smaller, boutique companies as well. Most of these are a bit over my budget though”

I need to sell my Roon NUC.

I purchased a used Aurender from a member and now dealer. Look carefully at what you like about Roon and what is missing in Conductor. I say this, because the prospect of leaving Roon made me hesitant to move to Aurender, but the results were worth the move.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,382 posts
 

I wouldn't try to buy a streamer and a DAC both for $5k.  Don't know much about the Gustard but a DAC will make more difference in sound than a streamer.  So if you are happy with the sound of the Gustard and just want to clean it up and make it sharper, get an Innuos streamer which is compatible with Roon.

OTOH, if you really want to upgrade your digital performance, Look at chord Hugo TT or possibly a lampizator DAC.   then you would have to look at a streamer later.  I don't know what you are streaming with (SFP?) but if you don't have any streamer at all, a USBridge Signature or IFI zen will get you 85% of the way there for 10% of the money and that will allow you to enjoy your new DAC.

jerry

soix
8,765 posts
 

I’d recommend the Innuos Pulse.  It’s new and contains Innuos’ latest thinking, is compatible with Roon, and comes with their Sense app that gets top marks for both usability and sound quality.  And at $3250 it’s well under your $5k price target. 
 

Or you might consider this used Pulsar that’s only two months old, and as long as the warranty is transferable this is well worth a look…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb68e0-innuos-pulsar-media-servers

Best of luck. 

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