Amplifier or Receiver

Hi raindog69,

What will you use the DAC for? I basically need to convert my TV digital signal to analog. I use Amazon fire stick (connected directly to the TV) for Spotify streaming and Youtube.

So, is it worthwhile to spend $700 on the Topping dac or should I go for Modi3 for $100 or even Cambridge Dacmagic for $200. Cambridge also sells CXN V2  Network Audio Streamer for $1100 (with good reviews) which includes dac.

I earlier got great advise from willand for choosing the Yamaha a-s2100 amp. but don't know anything about DACs.

My use case is a bit different - it's not home theater, but instead pure 2 channel stereo. I stream Qobuz from a Bluesound Node 2i. The Node has an internal DAC but I believe I'll do better with an external DAC. I may also bypass my CD player's DAC and run that through the Topping DAC, too.

I can't say whether the Topping will sound better for your purposes than the Schiit or Cambridge. But the measurements, if you put weight in those, are very strong on the Topping. 

I have (actually will have by early next week):

1. Klipsch Cornwall IV horn based speakers
2.Yamaha A-S2100 integrated amplifier
3. Yamaha BD-A1060 Blu ray player

I will also connect my TV and with it Amazon FireTV Stick to stream Spotify and Youtube.

What DAC should I get to play music via Firestick Tv?  I hope that Spotifi streamed through it will play well with a DAC? Or should I get a Music Streamer with a DAC instead of Firestick?

How much should I budget for a DAC or Music Streamer/DAC and which one is recommended?


 

Id try the DAC in the Blu Ray player first to see if it suits your ears. A separate Dac should provide superior sound but I would assess your new system as it stands before throwing another item into the mix.

So, everything is in! My system now includes:
1. Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers
2. Yamaha AS-2100 amplifier
3. Yamaha BD-A1060 Bluray/CD player
4. RME AD2 DAC
5. TV (with Amazon Firestick) connected to the DAC.

I'm using Firestick to stream music from Spotify.
The sound is great. Everything sounds better (fuller) with the DAC. Without it the sound was very clinical and all the musical details were not there.

The RME DAC has a loudness control feature for low volume just like the 1970's amplifiers did but I need to tweak it more to get it right.