Thoughts on 3 music server implementations (aurender, sonare, ps audio), help please

[AudioDoctor]

What is your budget for a DAC?

[AudioDoctor]

I'd like to keep it under 3k, which is why I'm looking hard at the Shiit. I know the Hugo is more, but you get the headphone amp with it...not sure I need a headphone amp though...

 

I have an Aurender X100. I really like it, you can stream Tidal with it, as well as play your local sources, and I believe also connect to a NAS. If I were you, I would go the Aurender Route. I am sure there are some damned nice DACs for 3K that are full featured.

 

You may want to check out the Mytek Brooklyn, I hear it gets good reviews, has a headphone output, does DSD and MQA if you ever needed that.

 

https://mytekdigital.com/hifi/products/brooklyn_dac_hifi/

 

The Marantz NA11 also is in that range and is a Stereophile Class A rated component. I bet you can find a deal on one somewhere.

 

http://www.us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=ReferenceSeries&SubCatId=0&ProductId=NA11S1

 

Or the HD DAC1 http://www.us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=HiFiComponents&SubCatId=0&ProductId=HDDAC1