Digital Dillemma - Please Help!

[clpetersen]

Agree with Jack. Keep them separate. With a streamer, you get their software. which you may like (or not).

A good DAC with a good endpoint (aka network bridge) with storage and software separate (e.g. Roon Nucleus) could make a compelling combo.

So many choices.

[Levitator]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Good advice

How would you rate the sound signature between the Auralic and Lumin?

I’ve heard the Innuos is on the warm side of neutral, and the Lumin is the warmest of the bunch.

I tend to prefer warmer sound- so I’m trying to figure that piece out too.

I’v got an Innuos Zenith Mk3 in a second system - it’s a very good streamer and has onboard storage options. Relative to Linn which I owned some time ago, I would say it is on the warmer side…

[dkorbal]

Jason I would seriously look into galvanic isolation using fiber optics. I can say from experience it made a world of difference for me. Dropping the noise floor increases sq in a number of areas. Although your Berkeley might do a good job at that.

[George Prentice]

Wow, sorry you are having so much trouble.

I played with PCs and MacBooks for years… if you want high quality sound, you need a dedicated steamer. I first tried a Auralic Aries G2… that helped. But it wasn’t until I got a Aurender N100 for my headphone system that I realized how good a streamer could be. I listened to the Aurender N10 nd finally bought a W20SE… I was really concerned that $22K could possibly be worth it… after 30 seconds, I was convinced it was a bargain and was so thankful I didn’t invest less.

The streamer is critical, like a turntable and Phonostage. You want it built up from the ground to be a streamer… complete isolation. My streamer And DAC now produce equivalent sound quality to my analog end… a contemporary Linn LP12 and ARC reference 3 Phonostage… Koetsu rosewood signature cartridge.

But the DAC is equally important. I am using an Audio Reseach 9. I can’t begin to tell you how good this is. Well, actually I can. I brought in a Berkeley Alpha 3 (the $22K one)… to my surprise my ARC won… the difference was minuscule… tiny… but the ARC had a touch more warmth… just perceptible… and the Berkeley just tiny bit… itsy bitsy more detail. My ARC was far less expensive (I have the ARC CD9se used as a DAC.

Anyway, I now have the most musical, incredible system I have ever heard. My digital end sounds as good as my analog end.

By the way, I use a wall wart wifi extender to plug in my two Aurender streamers. I suspect that really high quality streamers make up for any timing and issues with the network, so, you don’t need to fiddle with it. I

[JMD]

The Lumin units without DACs included are pretty neutral to my ears as are the Auralic unit's. The Lumin combo units fit into two categories the Wolfson units are warmer and the ESS based units far less so. With either the G2.1 or the U1 the DAC will be your determining factor in the final sound along with the cable you choose. I don't use Roon or ever see myself doing so therefore my final choice between the two came down to software preference. I do still have a Teac Reference streamer/dac combo that is based on the Lumin architecture so with it I use the Lumin software. As it is in the Family Room and used for basically background music it is a less critical concern. Of the "big four" Innuos is the newest kid on the block and they all come with the built in ripper and are USB only. If those features are ok with you or something you want then consider them. In terms of dealer and factory support I think you will have better luck with the other three.

[kubla36]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Curious how the Innuos stack up.

With Innuos, there is a different sound depending on how you run it. I like Roons features, so have to work harder on the best sound on Innuos. I found the experimental mode using squeeze lite to sound better and more relaxed, but roon stalls and has issues— better than earlier Innuos OS versions but still there. Right now I moved the core to an old MacMini and just make the Innuos the endpoint, and think it’s slightly better. I’ve no experience with other dedicated streamers except in store where I can’t tell well.

[Grasshopper]

You guys are all awesome- Thanks for your thoughts.

...So I bought another DAC today which makes a total of 6. I honestly think I am done and have enough to sift through and see which "flavor" is best for me.

Coming soon to my stable is the Lampizator Baltic 3. I couldn't resist the reviews along with the help of Stephen aka @Puma Cat.

...so for fun, we are going to do a little DAC shootout at my house this week.

I have the following which we will compare:

-Schiit Yggy LIM
-Mcintosh MDA-1000
-dCS Debussy
-PS Audio Directstream DAC (with Bridge ii)
-AMR DP-777SE ('en route)
-Lampizator Baltic 3 (should ship tomorrow)

I have a friend bringing his Lumin DAC/Streamer combo
an Aqua la Scala may join in too

This is going to be fun!

[dkorbal]

Wow I’m envious. So many options. Enjoy.

Can we expect the results of the shootout?

[-E-]

Reminds me of... me - many years ago.

[Masterlu]

3 of those can come off the list now before the Demo.