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Dazed and confused about streamer upgrade

I started a thread in the amp/preamp section asking about an integrated amp upgrade and got some good advice that made re-think my upgrade path.  I have a Macintosh MA8900, driving Vandersteen Treo CT’s, with a six pack of Rel S510’s.  I use a BluOS Node 2i as a streamer.  No CD’s, no need for storage.  I had thought about upgrading the Mac to a Boulder 866, but am now thinking I may get a bigger improvement for less dollars by upgrading the BluOS next.  I don’t know much about DACs and streamers, but am thinking that I should look at streamers only, since the 866 has a good DAC, and why pay for a combo DAC/ Streamer when the DAC will be bypassed.   Suggestions for a $3k to $5k streamer?  Or stick with upgrading the Mac? Thanks for any help!
cosmic_charlie
jimob
85 posts
 
Imo if you want a reference class  dac $5-7 k you can get a great one  .I have the pontus 2, Holo springs another great price performance . Denafrips terminator$6k+, or Holosprings top May dac $5k and outstanding price performance most would be thrilled to have either.
never count on the dac in a streamer or integrated  to compete 
with a reference stand alone dac.

Post removed 
cosmic_charlie OP
32 posts
 
Lots of good thoughts here, thanks for the responses.  Is there any consensus on whether a stand alone DAC, say in the $3k range, will be better than the built in DAC in the MA 8900, or the Boulder 866, or both?  In other words, how good are built in DACs, in amps in this price range?  Are they manufacturer throw-ins, or of a high quality, considering the cost of the amp?

And finally, if stand alones are, relatively speaking, generally better than built-ins, would you upgrade the streamer first or the DAC?
phastm3's avatar
phastm3
87 posts
 
I just sold my Holo May DAC, Auralic Aries G2.1 streamer, Gryphon Diablo 300 Integrated. I ordered the Boulder 866 2 weeks ago and I should have it within a week or 2. I’ll let you know if it works out
cosmic_charlie OP
32 posts
 
@phaastm3
Nice—that is definitely all in on the Boulder!  Will look forward to your report!
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