Dac / Streamer recommendations

[mpearce38]

Any recommendation for a good Dac Streamer with the below features

 

-Spotify connect

-Roon end point

-Balanced output

 

currently using a chord Quetest so comparable in SQ?

[Irek]

It looks like you need a streamer only since you have already excellent DAC. 

[mpearce38]

Main goal is to acquire balanced output have been using different sources with my amp (simaudio 340i) and the balanced inputs are really very good

[Hydrology]

I use a Matrix Audio Element M.

 

[mpearce38]

9 minutes ago, Hydrology said:

I use a Matrix Audio Element M.

 

Looks promising!!

 

[Hydrology]

Great app (although I only use Roon anyway), sounds wonderful and if you care for such things, rates very highly over on ASR.

[mpearce38]

No balanced out but the next one up in the range does a few extra $$$  

[Hydrology]

38 minutes ago, mpearce38 said:

No balanced out but the next one up in the range does a few extra $$$  

I think you might be mistaken...

 

 

[mpearce38]

cool, can the preamp section be bypassed

 

[mpearce38]

how does it compare to the DAC section in the hegel? I was thinking of changing my 340ix over for a Hegel 190 as a one box solution.

 

Edited April 8, 2020 by mpearce38

[rossb]

I would suggest a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge. In my opinion, this sounds much better than a Chord Qutest, and meets all of your requirements.

[Guest]

Any budget limit?

 

For an all in one

https://www.naimaudio.com/product/uniti-atom

 

For a streamer DAC, perhaps one of the Lumin

http://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-x1.html

[Hydrology]

10 hours ago, mpearce38 said:

how does it compare to the DAC section in the hegel? I was thinking of changing my 340ix over for a Hegel 190 as a one box solution.

 

 

I haven't compared to the Hegel simply because I want to have a full Roon Ready end point, which the Hegel isnt, yet (only via AirPlay). Once Hegel provide this update later in the year it will be interesting to compare then. If the Element M had a digital output it wouldve made it an interesting comparison, and I too wouldve loved the idea of one box doing all.

 

I also considered the Lumin range, but the one I wanted was just out of my price range at the moment (Lumin T2)

[mpearce38]

Ideally I like to keep it around the 2K mark, I would like to hold on to the Chord Qutest anything over 2K and I'll have to let the Chord go. Looks like there are a few options out there for a little more then my budget (as always ) , I'm also considering a Benchmark DAC3 as there are some favourable comparisons to the Chord however this will only provide the balanced out, no streaming,  so would then need to investigate a NUC for Roon duties

 

I did not know Hegel where planning on implementing a Roon endpoint upgrade, will this be just firmware or a module?? This make the option more attractive, But I've found close to endgame with the Moon340ix through Balanced inputs, Has me thinking a higher quality RCA from the Chord to Moon might be in order. 

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone

Edited April 9, 2020 by mpearce38

[Guest]

2 hours ago, mpearce38 said:

Ideally I like to keep it around the 2K mark, I would like to hold on to the Chord Qutest anything over this and I'll have to let the Chord go. 

Ok, so no Lumin X1 for you!  

 

I think you need some clarity on what you are trying to achieve. A big ask to replace a $2+K DAC with a streamer/DAC which cost less?

 

Are you ready for simplification? Or is  the upgrade itch still there?  What are you prepared to pay for the entire streamer + DAC + Amplifier?  This becomes your total budget.

Edited April 9, 2020 by Snoopy8
Typo

[mpearce38]

I looking for a DAC/ Streamer which has balanced outputs, preferably with Spotify connect and roon integration

 

if I can find something worthwhile for under 2K awesome but if it requires me to extend my budget I will have to sell my Chord Quetest which I’m hesitant too do

 

some great options recommended with the possibility of getting close to my budget on the used market

 

 

[Hydrology]

What about the Matrix Element I ? Still has the XLR capability and full Roon integration, and is under 2K brand new.

 

https://a1futureshop.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1477

[mpearce38]

im liking the offerings from Matrix and lumin certainly ticks all the boxes

[Mat-with-one-t]

 

[sir sanders zingmore]

11 minutes ago, Mat-with-one-t said:

 

Under $2k ?

[mpearce38]

10 hours ago, sir sanders zingmore said:

Under $2k ?

umm.. would have to sell my amp, then where would I be LOL

 

[Mat-with-one-t]

Whoops sorry!

[Hi-Fi Whipped]

NAD C658 ticks all the boxes I think.