Originally Posted by
Pharos
I'm really annoyed that there are so many options available, and every time this question is asked on a forum there seem to be even more names for systems discussed, and despite new attempts to derive a really good solution, that doesn't seem to happen. There is also far too much interfacing needed in many cases.
This leaves me residing on the fence, wanting it all to 'fall out' into an obvious and simple best solution ...
... but I am not hopeful - look at the current state of human political interaction, conflict, little cooperation, and little sign of agreement or concensus.
Yes, too true, Dennis! Some manufacturers are starting to bundle streamers, dacs and amplifiers together, but that isn't where I want to go (yet). The trouble for me is that I'm not sure spending big money is really justified, as many members of this Forum seem extremely content with far less costly solutions. Of course, I'm sure many high-end audiophiles as well as hi-fi sales guys would disapprove of low-cost (= in their minds, low-end) solutions, which is certainly understandable in the case of the latter. Only one (seemingly honest) salesman told me that he thought spending in excess of £800-1000 was not required by most mere mortals unless the other system components were of a truly extraordinary nature.
Amplifier: Now: NAD C 315BEE; Previously: Magnum Audio A.100 Mono-block Amplifiers (2 @ 400W/8R); P.100 Pre-Amplifier; PS.100 Power Supply
Speakers: Now: Epos Elan 15s; Previously: Celestion SL700s
CD: Linn Mimik
DAC Streamer: Cambridge Audio CXN