10 grand - what set up would you recommend?

[thyname]

I am very close to pulling the trigger on a Cary Audio DMS-500. It checks all the boxes, MQA, Roon Ready, good DAC, Preamp (for connecting it directly to Amp without another Preamp), can hook up subwoofers (up to two).

 

Any reason I shouldn't?

[thyname]

Just now, The Computer Audiophile said:

 

It all depends on your goals. Some people like to split functionality into separate boxes, making upgrades a bit less expensive and easier. 

 

Others want an all in one and call it a day. 

 

I got sick and tired of my current Spaghetti solution. FYI - using three Ultracap LPS-1s just to give you an idea. All the tweaks, wires, and stuff is driving me crazy. I am about to sell them all an get one device (rather two if you include my headphones Amp - GS-X MKII), and call it a day.

[thyname]

Just now, The Computer Audiophile said:

Then you should be pretty set with that unit :~)

 

Or with one of the below?

 

Ayre QX-5 Twenty
PS Audio Directstream w/ Network Bridge II built in
DEQX HDP-5
DEQX PreMate+
Krell Vanguard Universal DAC
 

They are all Roon Ready, and direct to Amp (volume control / preamp).

 

 

Thoughts?

[thyname]

1 hour ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Does the Cary use a Stream Unlimited card?

 

I have no idea what that is

[thyname]

4 minutes ago, rickca said:

http://www.streamunlimited.com/

 

Thanks! Interesting. Although I use Roon, so not even looking at other protocols or manufacturers ‘ streaming interface/ app.

[thyname]

It just hit me: has anyone tried Oppo UDP-205 as a preamp / DAC for streaming?

 

It is Roon Ready

[thyname]

2 minutes ago, beerandmusic said:

Here is a list of certified compatible roon endpoints

If i had to buy one thing right now, i would lean toward the new LUMINA D2 ($2300), but your budget may be higher.

 

http://roonready.com/

 

Are you still replying to me? I already have a Lumin T1. Looking for an all-in Streamer / DAC / preamp for my second system

[thyname]

2 minutes ago, beerandmusic said:

 

The QX5-20 is only device on the list in that budget that i noted....I don't even see the other devices you listed?

 

http://roonready.com/

 

On a side note, how do you like the T1? 

 

They are all there. Look under “to Amp w/ Volume control”:

http://roonready.com/front?f[0]=maximum_output%3A79

 

And I am not the OP

[thyname]

3 minutes ago, beerandmusic said:

 

 

On a side note, how do you like the T1? 

 

I love it! I think I replied to you over at Roon Community or Head-Fi.

 

 

[thyname]

Is there a R2R DAC (like Holo or Metrum or Denafrips) with Built in Streamer?

[thyname]

Can someone (like @The Computer Audiophile) chime in on the merits (or lack thereof) of an Ethernet DAC / Streamer all-in-one vs. separates (I.e. Spaghetti solution)?

[thyname]

57 minutes ago, beerandmusic said:

 

the downside is upgradability and flexibility....

the upside is price, space, convenience, ease of setup.

Quality can come in both.

 

Nothing new here. All obvious.

 

I was asking more in terms of SQ

[thyname]

2 minutes ago, GUTB said:

Separates are better performers. Possibly, cutting out DC-DC converters, ground plane segregation, EMI/RFI considerations, etc, outweighs shorter signal paths and closer matching in an integrated setup.

 

However, that wisdom gets turned on its head for PC audio where its observed that a single box solution performs better than a multi-box source.

 

Can you explain this a bit more? When I say "all-in-one", it is only DAC / Streamer combo. No amplification. Amplification will still be "separate".

 

Basically, my meaning of "all in one" is a DAC with a Streamer built in, and with Ethernet input for streaming, thus avoiding any USB connection in the path.

[thyname]

2 minutes ago, skyline said:

 

I use a D1 as a streamer to my DAC, and with Pranawire power cord/conditioning, it's very, very good.

 

Using the D1 as a Streamer only? Such a waste.

 

there are cheaper and quite as good options for streamers only with no DAC. Such as SOtM sMS-200Ultra or ultraRendu 

[thyname]

5 hours ago, beerandmusic said:

What dac do you use? 

Did you feel the DAC in the Lumin was lacking where you needed to upgrade?

 

You are asking me?

[thyname]

3 hours ago, beerandmusic said:

 Did you have a dac already, and bought the LUMIN as a player only for it, or did you buy the lumin and decide you like it as a player but wanted to upgrade the dac? And if so, what dac did you upgrade to?

 

That was not me. Please go back up, read previous messages, carefully paying attention to the username that posted that message. It wasn’t me. Sorry, I don’t know the reasons why he did what he did, since it wasn’t me

[thyname]

1 minute ago, BigAlMc said:

PS that spaghetti may not sound too complicated but factor in an ethernet into the Microrendu, two meanwells powering the two LPS-1s, 2 DC cables, a Lush USB cable, a USPCB doofer and an I2S cable. Once you consider all that then the digital path between my server and DAC consists of 13 items. 

 

So bolognese it might not be, but spaghetti it definitely is. 

 

I still fail to understand what's wrong with streaming directly through the PS Audio Directstream via its Network Bridge II (example: via Roon). Sounds bad?