Upgrading digital/streaming

[bruno2009]

So - let‘s say I were to upgrade my streaming section. Where would I start? I currently use and Auralic Aries LE (with the SBooster power supply) via USB into the integrated DAC of my McIntosh C52.

Where is the bigger room for improvement... the Streamer/Server/Bridge or the DAC?

I‘ve sort of made a small pre-selection of brands that have found my interest - without really having compared any yet - would be interested in any experience.

For now I might look into Auralic, Lumin, Linn and Aurender Products.

Any suggestions?

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by bruno2009

So - let‘s say I were to upgrade my streaming section. Where would I start? I currently use and Auralic Aries LE (with the SBooster power supply) via USB into the integrated DAC of my McIntosh C52.

Where is the bigger room for improvement... the Streamer/Server/Bridge or the DAC?

I‘ve sort of made a small pre-selection of brands that have found my interest - without really having compared any yet - would be interested in any experience.

For now I might look into Auralic, Lumin, Linn and Aurender Products.

Any suggestions?

Wait, didnt you just start streaming like a week or two ago? And you are already talking upgrades?! Oh my!
[emoji6]

[nicoff]

On a more serious note, imo the DAC is where I would invest (or rather spend [emoji51]) my money first.

[bruno2009]

Yeah - somehow it just caught me and now I‘m all fired up and interested where it might go... had to put aside some prejudice before...

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by nicoff

On a more serious note, imo the DAC is where I would invest (or rather spend [emoji51]) my money first.

+1

[Yamaki]

I agree on looking at a DAC upgrade.

[Antonmb]

Yup, DAC for sure, although a Lumin or Linn integrated streamer/DAC would kill 2 birds with one stone and eliminate a cable.

[JMD]

The Aries LE is a more than adequate streamer especially with the Sbooster so I would look at upgrading the DAC. Do you have a budget in mind for this upgrade?

[bruno2009]

Hi - thanks for the feedback. Yeah.

I was looking at somewhere around 5k max invest (I won`t complain if cheaper ;-) ).

I‘ve never compared the C52s integrated DAC so it somehow never occurred to me that a new DAC might be better (always thought it good enough).

Also yes - maybe an „all in one“ solution might be good.

The options are basically

1. keep everything as it is
2. Change DAC and keep Streamer/Bridge
3. Change Streamer Bridge and keep DAC
4. Change Streamer and DAC

And the the question all in one or separate solution...

Also I am not sure how much improvement can be expected over the existing components.

Obviously I will do some listening/testing, it`d be great to hear a few thought&opinions first though.

[Dr Tone]

Definately DAC, coming from someone that owns your DAC in his C47.

Schiit Yggdrasil, is in a different league when it comes to palpable top end, bass definition, overall musicality and presentation along with some of the most accurate instrument timbre and texture I’ve heard.

$2300 with 15 day return window. Check out Dan’s thread.

https://www.audioaficionado.org/show...ight=yggdrasil

Or maybe the new Chord Hugo TT 2.