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Streamer and DAC Combo or separates

I am getting back in the game after a hiatus of 5 years. 

Obviously the landscape has changed and while I have been trying to keep up with the latest, I appreciate the kind advise of those who have been in the know.

Starting with the front end, I see that some of the newer DACs also come with the streaming capabilities inbuilt; such as the new dCS Rossini or the PS Audio Directstream with the bridge 2. 

This eliminates the need to transmit data via USB interface at all, as you will be connecting the DAC to a NAS or a network via RJ45 (or even wireless).

On the other hand the 'traditional' was of doing it is to use a PC/Laptop or a dedicated streamer connected to DAC via USB or by any other connector.

Appreciate if I could hear your thoughts on which way I should go, assuming that the software used to drive the streamer is not an issue.

Thank you very much. 
amal
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
1,105 posts
 
Not knowing rest of your system or your budget it's hard to make a recommendation. Having said that, you're entering the digital era with lots of options.  

I chose to to go with separates. Among the streamers, I wholeheartedly recommend Aurender streamers. Great iOS app, solid build and amazing sound.  No software issue.  They are releasing A10 in June that will offer one box solution with with built-in DAC.  

Since I own Modwright amps, it was a easy choice for me to grab Elyse DAC to pair with my Aurender N10.   

Good luck with your search! 
dbtom2
295 posts
 
What's your budget? 
What kinds of recordings (resolution, format) do you have and what kinds do you see in your future?

Like lalitk said, it's a good time to be shopping for streamers. 
amal OP
33 posts
 
Thank you both lalitk and dbtom2.

1. If I am going for streamer and DAC separately, I will have a budget of around USD 10K, but if I am able to go for a combo unit (and if this turns out to be the way forward) I am hoping to spend around 7-8K.

2. I already have a Ming DA MC 300B-845A Class A push-pull 845 tube mono blocks. It uses 2 300B tubes as input tubes to drive a pair of 845 tubes per mono block.

3. I have been using Martin Logan before my hiatus so I am looking at buying a pair of ML Montis and use the Ming DA on the panels (the cone speaker is self powered in Montis).

4. As for the genre of music, it will mostly be jazz, small ensemble and some classical music. Nothing earth shattering 

5. I already have a semi-decent collection of high resolution (upto 24/192) music in FLAC and some DVD-Audio .iso files. Recently I have become interested in DSD as well, so I see myself acquiring more music on DSD.

6. We run an 'android-household' so I will need a steamer that comes with an Android control app, but I do not think this will be an issue since almost all of them support Android now.

Please continue to share your thoughts.

Thank you very much!
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