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Hi again AudioAf Fam.

When my little girl was born 5.5 years ago, I became scarce on this forum, let my membership lapse, lost touch with my audio system for anything other than watching PG movies, etc.

Little girl is finally getting more self sufficient, I'm becoming reacquainted with my stereo (for playing something other than Frozen 2 soundtracks), and I again have the itch to upgrade my various systems.

First component up is to replace the Esoteric DAC with something which will work asynchronously (USB) with the latest MacOS / Mac Mini.

Perhaps the DAC just needs a firmware flash or something, but heck with it, I'll throw it on another system and move onto a DAC with more capabilities (ideally RoonReady, ethernet input capability, and MQA). Budget is $6k or so. I've been looking at the SimAudio Moon 390 Network Player here: https://simaudio.com/en/product/390-...-preamplifier/ for no other reason than it will match the SimAudio Moon monoblocks in my rack. Not a great reason to select something.

I’ve missed you!

Need recommendations!

Edit:

I could be convinced to upgrade to McInosh MA9000 or MA12000 if you think the Dac section is pretty good.

Welcome back Karl! :wave:

Karl, welcome back!
Missed you too!

Hello Karl - I joined when our three were also becoming self-sufficient (hint: that never actually happens, but all good).

Many great options these days - lots of knowledgeable people here.
I try to keep the computing/communication separate from the DAC, but opinions vary.
I am not familiar with your DAC, but for a little money you can attach a 'renderer' or 'network bridge' * in front of it. Many options.
In my case, I put a SOtM Neo in front of the Chord DAC. Roon now 'sees' the Chord DAC as an endpoint and adjusts accordingly. Low cost and painless.

Computers and software are constantly changing; DACs tend to be more mature.
My 2 cents.

*same thing

CL —- this is not a bad idea. And I suppose it is also an argument against an integrated with a digital stage. Thanks for the feedback!

I do have an itch to try full MQA

Kinda also an itch to try tubes in some stage again.

Man, once this upgrade itch starts!

Thank goodness you have a very modest Tour Guide! :naughty:

:D

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Simaudio makes a very nice sounding network player and their DACs within them sound amazing. Just my opinion as I am currently using an older Simaudio DAC and still love it. If you’re looking at the MA9000 or MA12000, keep in mind that the DACs within are now upgradable which is very nice. That being said, if I already owned Simaudio amps, I would be more inclined to match them with a Simaudio DAC or network player.

Enjoy your time with you daughter because they grow up fast. It seems like yesterday that I too was playing Disney soundtracks on my system for my daughter. Later she was introducing me to her music and I miss that. She’s off to college now and I don’t see her much anymore. [emoji26]

Stahle — Love your note. The audio content plus the reminder about sweet time. I am enjoying every minute with the little girl and cherishing it. We focused on careers and waited too late to start a family…. thankful this little one came along. After rounds and rounds of IVF over the years since having her it looks like no more will be coming along for us. She is a very spoiled little girl. :)

I recently picked up the MA9000 and love it.

On another note and as been said, enjoy the time with your precious little one as they do indeed grow up fast (mine too is now in college).