2. digital
  3. 166525-150517

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
Post removed 
cosmic_charlie OP
34 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
34 posts
 
@phaastm3
Nice—that is definitely all in on the Boulder!  Will look forward to your report!
mwgreene
19 posts
 
I have Vandersteen Treos and I’m running an Auralic G1 streamer with a Benchmark DAC3. I should also say I’m using a Cisco ethernet switch with a Network Acoustics copper cable and copper EON passive filter. My streaming sound quality is extraordinary! (Using Quobuz)
More to discover