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.
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.
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@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
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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. |
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. |
Just to be clear, I am not suggesting a standalone all-in-one DAC/streamer solution. There is still a server of some type involved. The goal is to have all the heavy processing done elsewhere and the streamer board in the DAC only has to feed the stream to the DAC in the quietest and most efficient way possible. |
