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15k for streamer and dac....how much on each?

for a music first, streaming only, two channel system.......with 15k in pocket (can buy new or used)  is the general rule of thumb 50/50 split on the budget?

do any all in one units at this price point compare to separates?

What choice did you land on at your respective budgets?

I've not had the greatest experience with streamers.....sound more similar than dissimilar to my admittedly non golden untrained ears

 

 

 

 

 

 

audiocanada
bipod72
105 posts
 

If I were swapping equipment in and out frequently, I wouldn't spend top dollar for something that isn't going to stay long-term. You could probably try out some of the newer all-in-one DAC/Streamer combos out there for not a huge investment to see if you want to commit to the streaming side of hi-fi. Then upgrade over time.

danager's avatar
danager
880 posts
 

@kcpellethead 

Thank you.  If I had 15K a used Bartok Apex would be my goal.

 

audiom3
139 posts
 

I went 2:1 DAC to streamer with the same budget.  Could not be happier with the synergy between my Ayre QX-5 Twenty DAC and Lumin U2 streamer.

jred
94 posts
 

I honestly believe that the majority of the money should go towards the dac. The rest for the streamer. 
 

I’m not sure of the synergy. Though from what I’ve read the Bricasti M1, in conjunction with the n150 or n200 (aurender)  would probably suit most listeners well. 
 

As other post have mentioned, Your source is the Dac, everything else is second fiddle. 
 

Best luck. 

mglik
888 posts
 

Aurender certainly would be biased. However, they say the streamer is 30% and the DAC 70%.

I currently have a dCS Lina DAC and Lina Clock. I am not particularly happy with its built n streamer and am considering an Aurender W20SE. Although I did take note of Aurender W20s for sale used for very good price. Think the battery power supply which in in the W20 and the SE could be the most significant feature. Surely the SE must be better. But considering I don’t have an up line dCS, the older model could be just fine.

My pal, @ghdprentice, will be coming by to check out his W20SE with my Lina.

I hope that I am blown away. Just the Lina and clock with its built in streamer in my system produce a sound that is more detailed than my analog and sounds very good but I only listen to digital at night with the TV. With music it is, unfortunately, too much and tiring. My hope is that the W20SE will relax the sound and make it not only listenable but as enjoyable or better than my analog. I am 71 and still enjoy the ritual of the LP. But there will come a time when analog becomes difficult. 

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