or
In other words, does a dedicated streamer give best results vs using the imac or Nucleus direct to Dac? Internal file storage is no issue. Although the Nucleus is built for a single purpose, it is still a computer.
Total cost: sub $100, nice metal case included.
Total cost: Nucleus equivalent, $389, Nucleus+, $620. Add $130-260 for a passive case if you require silence. Raspberry, $100. Kid: depends on your negotiation skills.
Isnāt that 1(a)?
It absolutely is, but it didnāt indent properly, and given that option 2 is $1500, I assumed that was the budget.
Correct, Iād like to stay under $1500. The new Matrix mini has a built in streamerā¦looks tempting (suppose to be Roon Certified by mid week)
ā¦ but thatās a new DAC too, so the only safe answer is āit dependsā.
Apart from spending $1500, what are you trying to achieve?
fewer boxes and improved sound, I currently have a super long usb cord from my core to my dac. My Dac is a Pro-Ject Pre Box s2 that is 4 years old. The Matrix will probably be the winner if the Dac is at least as good or better than what I currently have. Thanks
Stream Box S2 Ultra?
If your question is āwhatās the best SQ bang for $1500ā, then my answer would most likely not be āa new dacā.
Famous last wordsā¦
In all likelihood, because thereās nothing wrong with it (at least that I know ofā¦), itās good enough. Itās your money, but Iād just get something to stream to it, either a commercial offering, or go DIY. If you want a major leap in SQ, get Mitch Barnett or the guy from HAF to design a convolution filter for you.
There has been no human evolutionary leap in the past 4 years, and no design breakthrough either. There might be an audible difference due to the differences in analog stage design, but beyond thatā¦
And yes, the Matrix will give you a display and itās pretty and itās one box. If thatās worth 900 dollars to you, and when itās actually certified, go for it.
Definitely wait until the Roon certification is confirmed! Itās been a long time coming.
Lost count of the times that Iāve heard of potential Matrix Mini owners talking about adding in an RPi as a ātemporary solutionā!
Matrix do make top performing good DACs when it comes to measurements, although I donāt think Iāve seen measurements for the Mini i3. Iām not convinced weāre talking about audible improvements over your current DAC, but you will be getting good engineering and a fine looking machine.
Having said all of this, I donāt own one and Iām more than happy with my RPi as a network solution!
The Nucleus is meant to be an appliance, but at a cost. The NUC route is way cheaper with same performance.
Connect by Ethernet, āa super long USB cableā sounds very iffy , how long ?
Add a RPi then Short USB to DAC . Any long cables should be Ethernet not USB ā¦
FInished until you get the itch. 