#1 Streaming DAC/ Pre with Balanced Outputs
Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 8:34 am
Hi all. My main system, which uses my DIY power amp with balanced inputs, uses the Cambridge Audio Azur 851N for all digital sources. It's a very convenient device, with multiple digital sources, network streaming and volume attenuation. I very much like the sound, though of course I'm always up for listening to something better out there.
I'm reconstructing my electronics room upstairs and want to get a similar device. Aside from the obvious listening to music while I work I'd also like to play music through amp prototypes to see how they sound. I was looking at simply picking up another 851N on eBay but it occurred to me this might be an opportunity to try another device, see if there's something better out there. Of course it might end up in the main system if it's better, or if the 851N had a problem...
So I'm interested in recommendations. It needs to have balanced analogue outputs on XLR as well SE RCA. It needs to be able to take USB INPUT as I anticipate using my laptop for most purposes in my work room, but it also needs 2 optical and one RCA spdif input in case I use it in the main system. It needs a volume control so I can take the output directly to a power amp, but ideally this would be bypassable. I'm not convinced on this latter point as I can't hear any difference between the 851N with preamp enabled or defeated. It needs to sound superb, and I need to be able to remotely control it through an app. I use Qobuz for music streaming.
That's a fair old list of requirements and I'm not adverse to spending good money to get something brilliant, but I don't want to waste money on marketing hype. It doesn't have to be a big company (I think Nick of this parish manufactures or did at one time).
All recommendations welcome.
I'm reconstructing my electronics room upstairs and want to get a similar device. Aside from the obvious listening to music while I work I'd also like to play music through amp prototypes to see how they sound. I was looking at simply picking up another 851N on eBay but it occurred to me this might be an opportunity to try another device, see if there's something better out there. Of course it might end up in the main system if it's better, or if the 851N had a problem...
So I'm interested in recommendations. It needs to have balanced analogue outputs on XLR as well SE RCA. It needs to be able to take USB INPUT as I anticipate using my laptop for most purposes in my work room, but it also needs 2 optical and one RCA spdif input in case I use it in the main system. It needs a volume control so I can take the output directly to a power amp, but ideally this would be bypassable. I'm not convinced on this latter point as I can't hear any difference between the 851N with preamp enabled or defeated. It needs to sound superb, and I need to be able to remotely control it through an app. I use Qobuz for music streaming.
That's a fair old list of requirements and I'm not adverse to spending good money to get something brilliant, but I don't want to waste money on marketing hype. It doesn't have to be a big company (I think Nick of this parish manufactures or did at one time).
All recommendations welcome.
