Hello - new here but looking at my first Naim component.
Current system: Sonos Connect > Arcam irDac > Densen DM-10 > Dynaudio Contour 1.3
Yes the source is weak - it’s a long story but I used to have a decent CD player until it broke…and still haven’t got around to getting something decent.
I’m considering three options - budget around £2,000 - £2,500
1a. Keep the Sonos and get a decent DAC:
- Used Naim DAC
- Chord Qutest
- something else?
Pros - under budget
Cons - is the Sonos ‘good enough’?
1b. Change both the Sonos and the DAC
- Same DAC as above
- ‘better’ streamer?
Pros - gets a better streamer - why though?
Cons - cost / uses up full budget
2. One box solution
- Naim ND5 XS 2
- Mytek Brooklyn Bridge
Pros - eliminates interoperability issues between streamer and DAC
Cons - is the sound of the DAC in the ND5 XS 2 ‘better’ than a used Naim DAC or the Chord?
Of course I would need to listen, but auditioning a used Naim DAC will be difficult.
The big disadvantage of a one-box solution is that streaming technology changes very quickly, while I could get a good DAC and keep it for a number of years.
May I ask your thoughts, in terms of sound quality, on:
ND5 XS 2 vs (used) DAC vs Chord Qutest
(the latter two would be fed from Sonos or (if I really have to) a ‘better’ streamer.
Thank you in advance!
HariV