need help setting up a streaming system

[Bigman80]

I messaged Leo in response to his offer of a PecanPi trial and intact you have to buy one and you can return if you don't like it.
Fair enough really, but I like to try before I buy

No problem with that, but I certainly wouldn't be dismissing DAC Hats untill I'd hear one of these. The Allo Katana too.

[Lawrence001]

Have you tried a PecanPi Lawrence?

If not, I wouldn't discount DAC Hats, just yet.

No I tried a couple of hats and didn't get on. I thought it was partly due to running them off the same SMPS as the pi itself.

[Lawrence001]

Which USB DAC are you using Lawrence?
It's a route I'm considering and could do with some recommendations.

Currently an MDac as I need balanced outs for my amp. My last one was a Zero by Xhaolu which was also very good. That's now surplus to requirements. If I didn't need balanced I would still be using it.