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Dac with separate streamer or Dac with built in network card

In my search for a dac upgrade I was looking at the Weiss 501MKII, the Berkely Alpha Dac Series with the Berkely USB port. I then realized that the streamer controls the clock and hence jitter reduction in all connections except the USB.  It became apparent to me that in most cases I would not be getting the benefit of a new Dac upgrade as to clocking and hence jitter. So I then was advised I needed a new streamer whose internals were on par with the internals of my Dac. The new streamer would be a Lumin U2X or a Aurender N20, which both cost over $10,000.00,  

I was then advised by a few audiogon members that I should consider a stand alone Dac with a network card which would take the place of purchasing a new streamer. It was mentioned that I should consider the Meitner MA3i, which is a Dac with a network card. Until today I thought a network card is only found in a streamer. Was not aware of a Dac & streamer combination. I have always believed in separates such as power and preamps, as well as an external Dac running into a streamer. Does anybody have any thoughts regarding the option of a high end Dac such as the Meitner with a network card?  Thank you.  

kjl1065
zlone
1,360 posts
 

I think I was one of the folks who suggested you consider the streaming DAC. @verdantaudio put it well, having the streamer in the DAC and using short cables for an I2s connection, as the protocol intended, makes for a very clean implementation with the least amount of manipulation of the stream. It all comes down to implementation of course, the streamer card has to be good, and low noise. And, it more than likely ties you to Roon, though there are options, e.g. JPLAY.

I recently migrated from Innuos/Merason via USB to Antipodes CX/Bricasti M3 connected via a very short direct Ethernet cable. The CX is built specifically to interface this way, with two network connections. I compared virtually every configuration of all this gear, the straight network connection easily bested SPDIF and USB. 

I would like to hear the Meitner, though coming from the warmth of Merason to the forthright, but not bright, presentation of Bricasti has been very enjoyable. Maybe a hair less musical though. I am sold on the streamer DAC. Two others reference level streaming DAC’s to consider are the Tambaqui and the new PS Audio Signature DAC.

 

mahler123
4,047 posts
 

 

i am not sure that I saw the other thread referenced.  What was the theoretical advantage of a DAC with a streamer card in reducing jitter?

  I normally recommend separates for streamers and DACs, but if jitter concerns are that paramount, then perhaps a combo player would be your best choice.

  In the budget range under discussion, you are going to end up with a pretty decent results.  I don’t particularly care for the Weiss home sound but every other brand mentioned here is superb, and you may feel differently about Weiss.

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
1,086 posts
 

@mahler123 

i am not sure that I saw the other thread referenced. 

There are 8 of them now. wink

mahler123
4,047 posts
 

I lose track of how discussions interrelate, although the OP did attempt to link them in his preamble here

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 

short answer, it depends

generalities are useless w r t this question

case in point

ps audio direct stream lan card was awful, whereas weiss and msb lan in are wonderful

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