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

OP not sure what the rest of your system is but for 17,500 retail the Grimm MU2 is gaining a lot of traction. Usually in a streamer/dac combo the streaming portion is the weak link. Grimm is known for their streamer (Mu1) and have added a world class Master Dac. The Preamp section rivals high end stand alones. You can add storage if you like. 
One box ,power chord ,IC.  Great chance it will sound better than any seperates  you can put together. 

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Audiocanada,

You're getting some great information here, all of it good.....but all of it (including mine) is subjective based on our experiences. I'd spend more on the DAC, but still get a really nice streamer. I'd go 60/70% DAC and 30/40% streamer. I personally prefer separate DAC and streamer, that way you can always upgrade one component instead of having to upgrade a more expensive all-in-one system.

That split would still get you a great streamer (better if you're okay with a used streamer), and a great DAC. Personally I'd look at once of the great Aurender/Lumin/Innuous streamers, example you can get an Aurender N20 used for about $7,000 and that would leave $8,000 DAC

Or an Aurender N200 for about $4,000 used and that would leave $11,000 for a great DAC.

I mention Aurender, because the N20 and N200 are the only high end streamers that I have had in my system....along with an N10. I just have never had a Lumin or Innuous in my system, but by all reports they are great units as well.

As others already have mentioned, pay attention to connections and their preferences, and if possible try to audition a unit, and whether you want a streamer/server for storing files locally or just a streamer.

@audiocanada, do you have a trusted audio gear dealer somewhat near where you live? Because if you do that’s where I’d start my search instead of throwing out open ended queries here on Audiogon while dangling $15K as a teaser. As the old saying goes “a fool and his money are soon parted”. Sometimes to me it seems as if half of the contributors on these forums are audio gear retailers themselves and would love for everyone to buy multi-thousand dollar streamers. If you think you need a 30lbs shiny milled aluminum electrified box sitting in your house just to play tunes off of the internet then more power to you. 
 

 But if you’re really serious about putting together a system that lets you simply enjoy listening to the music that you like instead of wondering what piece of expensive audio kit “sounds better”, then you should start with some basic questions first. What kind of music do you enjoy? Are you going to be using speakers in a dedicated listening room, and do you use headphones only or a combination of the two? Because certain DACs in my experience make different speakers and headphones sound better than others. Which is my way of saying that getting the best DAC that suits your musical preferences is far more important than buying the latest server/streamer on today’s market. What DACs have you been able to demo for yourself?