2. digital
  3. 170718-100084

Streamer/DAC

I think I have the computer thing figured out now, so what about an all-in-one DAC-Streamer Combo. I like the one box solution (in my case 2 boxes,  integrated amp, and as discussed).

One disadvantage is that I presume that there is not much chance of upgrading the DAC in a combo like this, so as technology changes you with miss the buss or fork out for new.

Any streamer/DAC combos that you've heard that you could live with forever for around $4K? I know mrklas likes his Moon 280D which is attractively priced.

With the popularity of R2R DACs are there any offered combined with a streamer?

high-amp
high-amp OP
508 posts
 

With the help of this thread and all of your advice, I am tending to lean towards a Denafrips Pontus DAC and an ifi Stream for a total of $2900. Will this sound as good as a Cary DMS – 700? At half the price I guess I'll never know!

I'm still open to suggestions!

elliottbnewcombjr
5,262 posts
 

DAC = SALAD.

I just finished choosing my new to me CD Player with internal DACs (I don’t stream). I finally got lucky, couldn’t be happier.

I realized, these units are like Salads, main ingredient, with additives: chosen DAC(s), over-sampling, filters, anti-jitter, re-clock, vector shaping, ..... and the resultant sound is based on the mix as much as the chosen processor(s). And that resultant output mixed into your system/space.

Normally you cannot remove the additives, but a whole crowd of ’upgrading’ the additives exists.

Like any Phono Stage, I highly recommend trial/return privledges for DAC Salads.

nutty
2,675 posts
 

Here ya go. 

 

 

metaldetektor
154 posts
 

A number of DACs/streamers/combination DAC-streamers are physically modular, i.e. are upgradable. I tend to favor these. Sonnet, Bricasti, totaldac, aqua, MSB come to mind. So you don't have to dump/sell the box, if you want to update them.

 

FPGA DACs such as dCS and PS Audio can receive firmware updates over time, which is also a nice feature.

nutty
2,675 posts
 

Naim also updates their own firmware. 

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