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Upgrading digital side

I currently own a Jay's Audio CDT-MK2 CD transport and a Holo May KTE DAC.  I also stream (mostly files) with a Raspberry Pi (Roon and Audirvana software).   These feed PrimaLuna EVO400 preamp and amp and Devore Gibbon speakers.

I am  looking to upgrade my entire digital side.  I have an extensive CD collection that I will continue to listen to as well as thousands of files.

My budget is around $20,000 and I prefer new equipment.

So far, for DACS, I have been looking at the Grimm MU2, Bricasti M21, Mola Mola Tambuqui and the DCS Lina.  For server/streamers, Aurender N200 or N20 and Innous Stream 3.  I know that the DACS I mentioned also stream, but I'm not sure that I want to be completely tied to Roon or Audirvana.  I like the idea of internal storage for my files.

Finally, I am also considering the Luxman D-07X SACD player, which has a USB input where I would connect a streamer.  I'm wary of the quality of the DAC in the Luxman, especially for streaming.

Any advice on the best combination of the above (or something I haven't looked into yet) would be greatly appreciated.

walt8489

Showing 1 response by audphile1

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audphile1
6,078 posts
 

I replaced Aurender N200 Bricasti M3 combo with Meitner MA3i. Without a doubt it’s a superior DAC. But it also rendered N200 unnecessary. I’ve compared the internal network card in Meitner to N200 extensively.
I tested the N200 using native conductor app, as a Roon endpoint, with tidal connect and qobuz connect. Same high quality cables were used on both units - apple to apple comparison. I preferred Meitner as Roon endpoint point. Sold the N200. 
I will note though, that the N200 was a tremendous improvement over the Bricasti built in network renderer that I’ve been using prior to adding the Aurender. 

I have since migrated my library on an SSD to my Roon Nucleus One where it’s mounted inside the unit. 
 

I believe Meitner, EMM Labs, Playback Designs and dCS use the same roon ready network streamer from ConversDigital. Something to keep in mind when you’re shopping. 
Also, the most important and absolute critical part of shopping for a DAC is home auditioning for at least 2-5 days. Flipping back snd forth between dacs or streamers is not going to paint the correct picture for you. 

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