al2813
Established Member
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2012
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- 141
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I spent the last weeks extensively reading and getting familiarised with the world of Raspberry pi based network players. I am currently running two setups at home. One based on a NAD C388 hybrid amp in the living room, and one based on an Arcam A28 amp in my bedroom. I stream a lot both rips and Hires files from my NAS and Qobuz from the internet. The only streamer I have now is a Bluesound Node 2 which now is in my bedroom serving as DAC/streamer. I occasionally take the node downstairs but would like now to build a box for the living room. My idea is to buy my components and build a pi based DAC/streamer. My questions:
- Do I go for a streamer only and rely on my NAD's DAC or do I go for a DAC/Streamer (i.e. will this improve the result)? My current gut feeling is to go for the Audiophonics ES90382QM DAC which I think represents a good middle ground for a decent DAC. The Allo Katana costs almost double and I am afraid to make such a big investment at this first attempt. I think this dac setup correctly will do better than the one on the NAD C388.
- I prefer to spend money on components rather than for example a nicer enclosure. An acrylic-based "floor mount stand" looks nice enough for me actually. I would rather spend the money on a decent power supply. and speaking of that - any recommendations (don't want to go crazy here either)?
- Any other components you recommend?
- And finally the subjective question - would this sound better than my Node 2 in DAC mode? I know this is not easy to answer but hey - always happy to get opinions from people who have happened to try both.
- Do I go for a streamer only and rely on my NAD's DAC or do I go for a DAC/Streamer (i.e. will this improve the result)? My current gut feeling is to go for the Audiophonics ES90382QM DAC which I think represents a good middle ground for a decent DAC. The Allo Katana costs almost double and I am afraid to make such a big investment at this first attempt. I think this dac setup correctly will do better than the one on the NAD C388.
- I prefer to spend money on components rather than for example a nicer enclosure. An acrylic-based "floor mount stand" looks nice enough for me actually. I would rather spend the money on a decent power supply. and speaking of that - any recommendations (don't want to go crazy here either)?
- Any other components you recommend?
- And finally the subjective question - would this sound better than my Node 2 in DAC mode? I know this is not easy to answer but hey - always happy to get opinions from people who have happened to try both.