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Another person going digital and full of questions

I'm yet another new member trying to figure out the digital streaming world.  I've been streaming Tidal and Idagio from my desktop computer through an RME ADI-2 dac and into various headphones for a while.  Now I'd like to add digital streaming on my main system.  I'm just looking for a source that would provide streaming services to my existing preamp (Audible Illusions) amp (Audio Research) and speakers (Wilson Benesch Act 1).  I'm looking for something to complement my other sources, a VPI turntable and a Rega CD player and Benchmark 1 DAC.  I don't want to rip my CDs or play any stored music files.  So far, I'm learning that there are more recent and better DACs out there than the old Benchmark, and that I should consider a quieter box than my computer to connect to ethernet.  But I'm lost in a sea of streamers, servers, reclockers, power supplies, etcetera, most with unfamiliar brand names.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.  budget in the $5k range but can stretch a little.

mattchanoff

Showing 1 response by jeffreyw

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jeffreyw
239 posts
 

@mattchanoff 

Your weak point is the Benchmark DAC. A few options for you to consider:

  1. Sell the DAC and purchase a new Aurender A200 DAC/streamer. Their Conductor app is second only to Roon, and you are done!
  2. If you keep the Benchmark, the best streamer-only in your price range is the Aurender N200 ($6K retail)
  3. The best value of streamer for the Benchmark, should you choose to keep it, is the new Lumin U2 mini.

I think the Aurender N200 is overkill for the Benchmark, and monies can be spent elsewhere.

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