It’s really more about what improvements/sound characteristics you are looking for. Also, what’s your budget, are you looking for new or used, and are you open to separates?
Help me choose a new DAC/Streamer
Fellow Audiophiles,
I’m planning on replacing my Cary Audio DMS-500 with a new modern streamer. Truth to be told nothing is wrong with my 9 yr old unit.
To give you an overview of my current set up, DMS-500 > AR LS25 mk2 > Pass X600.8 > B&W 800D2 speakers.
Below are streamer brands I’m considering, “ most of my listening is streamed through Qobuz, Tidal , Spotify" I do not use Roon, prefer to use Tidal , Qobuz cast capabilities.
Mcintosh DS200 fairly new developed model.
Ayon S-10 Mk2 signature.
Ayon S-10 Mk2 XS
Cary DMS-700 is another consideration, from what I’ve heard it’s vastly improved over the dms-500 however prefer to try a something new.
If you owned any of the above, have first hand experience , would you please share what your likes and dislikes are.
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@rick_n. Appreciate your suggetion . do you have experiance with brands that do digital only ? Personally I tried HIfi rose, analog output gain is extremely hot for my preamp. I also have a bluesound node, sonically it's no match or even close to my decade old DMS-500. @soix. I'm looking for new, my budget is no more than $6K , prefer all in one (streamer). To be honest, I still enjoy tonality of my DMS-500, but it's really challenging to navigate through the streaming services. |
These guys don’t mess around with amplifiers and speakers. There is a reason why when you go to an audio show you see so many of these boxes in the rooms. |
Can't add to the streamer question. I would say that there's a great fall off IMHO with streamers on the whole. I've modified a WiiM Pro with external 5v power supply and run fiber router to a Cisco Meraki (p/s removed). Then fiber to another Cisco Meraki and a short ethernet Blue Jeans ethernet. Also, I have an isolation rig set up for the WiiM Pro which surprisingly made a nice difference. Those suggesting a home demo are on point. The streamer market is moving rapidly and some believe the improvement is real but not significant with a 15% differential.
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