…all outperform feature-heavy units like the Eversolo DMP-A8 when feeding a reference DAC.
100% false by any objective metric known.
STREAMER - WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?
I've been using the Eversolo DMP-A8 and think it's a mid-range, feature-rich, capable, and attractive machine. For the past few months, my focus has been on putting my system together (e.g., new caps on the amps, new tubes, getting clean power, turntable, phono stage, etc) and have felt that I've been overly focused on the analog side. I've long wanted to work on getting my end game digital setup and pulled the trigger on a BAT Rex 3 DAC and now want a streamer that mates well with it. I know little about streamers. . .just enough to get lost in the topic.
Other than an easy-to-read screen and balanced outputs, what features should I look for in an endgame streamer that will deliver a significant performance boost? I invite any suggestions.
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I’m late to this discussion but thought I’d add my $.02 You might look into the XACT S1 (and S1 Evo). Elegantly simple - runs JPLAY natively and reportedly sounds absolutely superb. Only output is USB. Please note - I have not yet auditioned these units but expect to in the next few months. I’m relaying information provided by others I respect who have direct knowledge and experience. They are (reportedly) significantly better sounding than the entire Aurender line (all the way up to the N50) and the Innous line (Nazare excepted as no one I know has heard it yet. While I’m also considering the Pink Faun Ultra and Antipodes Oladra, those two are significantly more expensive though absolutely worth a look if your budget allows.
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Just get a decent (e.g. Cardas Clear) USB cable. Keep the A8. The A8 has wide options, it support essentially every streaming service, internet radio (sometimes useful for NPR), Apple Airplay - better sound from You Tubes - etc. If you have CDs to rip, you can add an SSD and a cheap USB drive from Staples - or you can play CDs. When you use USB the data is buffered in the DAC and the DAC's clock is in control, avoiding distortions caused by jitter in the source. See @mclinnguy he summarizes it well
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@rsure I envy anyone with ATC active spkrs! spkften thought about selling everything and buying the active 100s but it's so hard to demo anything |
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