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Choosing a Network Player/DAC

I finally have the audio setup I want for vinyl. I’d like to add digital to the system. I’m finding it very difficult to choose a product and any help would be appreciated. I have a McIntosh MA5100 paired with PSB Stratus Mini’s. The best way I can describe the sound I’m wanting to achieve is smooth reference..I favor a bit of brightness and separation is important to me...none of that information may be important when choosing a digital component but I thought I’d share. I have a media server, mainly for video, running PLEX. I have like 500gb of FLAC files on that hard drive. I also have a Tidal Account. I’m looking to add both to my audio system. My budget is around $700 but I could do more if that doesn’t cut it. So Network Player? DAC Attached to my Laptop/Server? Buy a mac mini and attach to DAC? Tubes (since this is a vintage system)? There’s so many ways to slice this up..I’m having a hard time. If anybody has experience and can recommend the merits of one over the others, it would helpful...also, this isn't necessary, but multi-room/zone would be nice.
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4hannons's avatar
4hannons
166 posts
 
I'd recommend starting with using the laptop with a USB dac. 

The new Soekris has gained a lot of attention. Uses a R2R multibit chip. For ~$400 shipped it seems like a good value. So good I bought one a couple days ago.

You might also benefit using a USB isolator between your laptop and dac. Intona gets pretty high marks. 

No affiliation with either company.

Soekris USB dac with Intona isolator would be right around your $700 budget.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

-Tom

http://www.soekris.dk/products.html


https://kitsunehifi.com/product-category/brands/intona/



eli_tackla's avatar
eli_tackla OP
41 posts
 
@reubent Thank you for the response and help. My music is on a laptop with an external. I may be inheriting a sinology server but that isn't guaranteed. I've never messed around with raspberry pi but I definitely enjoy tinkering (especially cost effectively) so that might be a good option. I'll demo the jitterbug too...nothing wrong with staying under budget.

@4hannons Thanks for the help-I had no idea a usb isolater existed. I would've assumed any value from that product would be handled by the dac...but you learn something new every day. Does it provide that much of a benefit?
4hannons's avatar
4hannons
166 posts
 
You may not need the USB isolator. Lots of people report however the isolation improves overall sound. YMMV
eli_tackla's avatar
eli_tackla OP
41 posts
 
@4hannons Very interesting. I'd love to give it a try and find out.
sgoode's avatar
sgoode
5 posts
 
I have 3-5 terabytes on HDD most Hi-RES , and a vinyl playback system as well. I added a Cambridge Azur 851n  which works as streamer, DAC, and preamp. I use it as preamp for Jolida vacuum tube amp in bypass mode. The sound is amazing. Way over 700 dollar budget at 1799.00 however would solve all your issues.
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