Upgrading from Logitech Squeezebox Duet and DACmagic

[mahlerous]

Hi everyone,

I'm getting more and more confused about Streamers and DACS.

I've looked at the Sonos system and maybe coupling it with the NAD M51 DAC, but then I look at offerings from Naim, Cyrus and Linn - I'm more and more unsure which way to go!

Logic suggests to me that this is all about the quality of the DAC component, am I missing something?

Ultimately my ears will provide the answer, but it's the problem of finding a Dealer who can demo the alternatives.

(I listen to classical and rock music through a Unison Research Unico Secondo Class A / Valve amplifier and Spendor S6e speakers).

 

[SteveR750]

So long as the streaming device can present bit perfect data, then there aint much more it can do, so ultimately it's about the DAC. Bear in mind a PC to a Linn DS all manage the same task as a streamer (though a PC can suffer from maines interference which must colour the sound no matter how small).

The rest is down to your ears - you might find big differences, then again you might not. The general concensus seems to be that £ for £ the DAC is the least effective and upgrade.

 

[mahlerous]

Thank you for your reply Steve.

If I ignore the 'bells and whistles' I now need to identify how much more I need to spend on a DAC/Streamer to get a noticeable sound quality improvement over my existing kit.

It may be just as cost effective to go for a Sonos Connect and stick with my DAC magic.

I'll feed back the outcome when I've had some demos.