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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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,022 posts
 

I don’t think the new PS Audio has a network card. The older model was indeed known for a crappy network implementation and not many thought it to be acceptable as a one box solution. 
 

I agree with @verdantaudio   figure out the DAC that suits your sound preferences first. Then worry about what connection method. But here lies the problem…to properly do it you need to have both the DAC and the streamer on hand, in your system. 
 

And I’ll continue to emphasize that with DACs like Meitner, EMM Labs, dCS and Playback Designs that feature high quality on-board network cards, adding external streamer for $13,000 is not easy to justify. 
 

Keep your mind open beyond the inventory of your favorite dealer. There are other dealers both locally and remote, who will allow you to demo a dac in your system.

One important detail to add…you should be open to try Roon. One of the best user interfaces for streaming on a market today. 

 

zlone
1,359 posts
 

I don’t think the new PS Audio has a network card.

I have no idea how good it is, but the new PMG Signature 512 DAC does have a network card and is Roon Ready. Other than that I don't know how good it is, other than it is very new and, at least price-wise, a big jump from their other lines.

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,022 posts
 

@zlone cool

I visited the PS Audio room at a NY Audio Show but there was so much chatter there and the music was playing at such a low level that I couldn’t figure out what’s what  the new series component did look good  

 

zlone
1,359 posts
 

@audphile1 I visited the PS Audio room at a NY Audio Show but there was so much chatter there and the music was playing at such a low level that I couldn’t figure out what’s what  the new series component did look good  

I had the same problem at AXPONA. I tried multiple times to hear their new speakers, but the room was huge and always crammed. As much as people complain about the sub-standard listening conditions of the smaller hotel rooms, at least you can get feel for the gear. The big rooms are kind of useless to me other than the spectacle. And yeah, its pretty nice looking rig.

calieng
203 posts
 

PS Audio and Lumin among others have stated the all in one is the best way to go. You eliminate the interconnect cable and associated circuitry and can optimize the layout of the streamer and DAC components internally.

Aurender A1000 is a good bang for the buck (especially used prices) for tube amp owners (single ended). Or move up the price range for a balanced unit.

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