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Mid Range Streamer DAC recommendation help requested!

Good evening,

In looking for a new one box music streamer /DAC  I am striking out as far as the actual in store, "seeing, listening and buying" process is now a little bit harder to find.  

 Two of our local brick and mortar A/V stores have closed, Axpona is postponed until 2021, and the big city stores are now curbside delivery or online only.   

For now I am hoping to share this discussion with the Agon experts here to get your thoughts and feedback regarding a few possible good music streamer / DAC candidates.

I am looking for a  good quality Streamer/ DAC  that should provide years of good, enjoyable music service.

Some of the  Brands /models that I have read about as being good mid range devices are listed below:

Bryston BDA 3.14
Cary Audio  DMS-550
LUMIN  T2
Mytek  Brooklyn  Bridge / Manhattan

Please share your experiences (good or bad)  if you have had some extended / operating listening time with any of these components!   

Some of the criteria that I would hope to find would be :

1. Very good sound quality,    
2. Reliable, durable,  (something that does not break down during streaming or need  frequent tweaks or updates)
3. Future-proof, (as much as is reasonable) 
4. A product that is fairly easy to operate, and also fun to use.
5.  Right Jacks and plugs for the key connectors.  (Do not need a headphone jack or TT connector at this time).
6. Good quality  DAC chips, with equally high specs for playback PCM and DSD levels, etc.
7. Should function perfectly with ROON, Tidal, MQA, Qobuz, etc.

Not interested in the multiple box / PC route as I am not an IT person.  

PS 1: There may other Streamer DACs that should also be included  in this list ,and please suggest those in your reply email.

PS2: The output end of the music is through Legacy Amps and Legacy Focus SE speakers.

PS3: I will pursue some type of  digital storage in the future, maybe like a Roon Nucleus or equivalent. 
Hopefully that future NAS will mesh perfectly with the new streamer  DAC.

Thank you very much!

Dan


  








dan2019
tom8999
151 posts
 
OP - I am biased to use LUMIN for a streamer /  DAC - I bought a LUMIN D1 ( Wolfson DAC) 5 years ago. It ran great - the software interface on my I pad mini runs great. I stream Tidal - you have to hard wire to get a quality signal to the streamer. I just upgraded to the LUMIN T2 6 months ago. The soundstage got bigger (width and depth). Vocal separation improved, instruments are better isolated in the soundstage - very musical IMO.

No mechanical issues and you get auto software upgrades via the internet. 

you cannot go wrong with LUMIN. IMO a LUMIN customer for life!
pokee1016's avatar
pokee1016
25 posts
 
I'm just going to throw this out there. The Topping E30 DAC (with remote and volume control option) has completely transformed my listening experience and my system. Strong words, I know but I stand by it. Not to mention the stupid price of $129. Digital improves at a faster pace than anything else so it's not surprising that something like this would eventually happen. That's my input.
dan2019 OP
6 posts
 
Good evening and WOW!

I just wanted to briefly say Thank You for all of your thoughtful,  and detailed filled replies!    I have already learned a lot, and have some new options to consider!

I have printed each reply note and formulate a more thorough response over the weekend.

(Again I do apologize  as i did not realize this  question  has been asked  on this specific forum in the past, and  I thank each of you for your patience!! )

Enjoy your  Independence Day weekend!

Thanks

Dan


dmcneilr's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dmcneilr
21 posts
 
Very satisfied LUMIN customer here too.  I loved my T2 so much that I just purchased an X1 and moved the T2 to move second system.  I've listened to the T2 extensively both with and without the DAC and it continued to impress.  That's part of what I'd call "future proof" because you never know what future system change could necessitate or eliminate the need for the onboard DAC.  The software interface is probably my favorite one too.
dancole
15 posts
 
Another alternative: build a dedicated computer (which is basically what all streamers are). You can build a small NUC (with or without a fan, depending on where you plan to keep the device), with 4 or 8 MB of RAM, one small hard drive for software, and another or others for your own digital collection). The only software you need is Roon ROCK. If you are concerned that quality of wiring and board construction affect sound, you can source whatever components you prefer online. And the whole thing will cost a fraction of the price of a Lumin or Aurender, potentially less than $1000, including the $600 lifetime Roon license.
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