Cheap-Streamer/nDAC or UntiServe/Cheap-DAC?

Sonos set up plus a decent digital lead and n-DAC is not far away from NDX cost wise ...

Cheap streamer and nDAC.  The important audio business goes on in the D-A converter.

UnitiServe + Rega DAC: good VFM, and you end up with an excellent hi-res source for a second system if you go with an NDX later.

You also have the advantage of rip-once archiving, right now–which will benefit whatever system you finalize on in five, ten years' time.

Why didn't I think of that?

You have now! 

Hi Epike222 -

If it were me, I would use dbpoweramp to batch convert all of your WMA lossless files to lossless FLAC, a more universally supported format.   Unless you have some good reason to doubt the integrity of your rips, I cannot think why you would want to go through the work of re-ripping.

There are lots of great DAC's.  I am partial to the Naim DAC, but there may be an even better fit for your system.   What other components are you using?

Hook

I would use either the Vortexbox/NDX or Vortexbox/V-Link/Naim DAC - you could indeed use a Sonus (if you do then I'd look to get a clock upgrade, which you'll find through google) or you could use the relatively low jitter Logitech Touch. If you have ripped your files with something that does an AccurateRip conversion then no need to re-rip as you know the files are as right as they are ever going to be. I agree with Dave about a rip once solution and XLD, dbPowerAmp, EAC or any other software that compares the rip it makes against AccurateRip is all you need. If you have already used such software then batch converting as Hook suggest will change them from WMA to FLAC and liberate you from the current Windoze. I'm 100% convinced that two identical files sound the same no matter how they are ripped - and all the software mentioned in this thread produce identical files in terms of their musical content on every comparison I've made. 

I wouldn't recommend the US/cheap DAC as the DAC is the most significant player in all this. If you could go US/Naim DAC my view would be different as if you want an all Naim solution then that is it. US/Rega DAC makes no sense to me I'm afraid - if you like the Rega DAC then I'd use it with a much cheaper front-end. It should be obvious which I favour.  

As always you need to audition. 

I wouldn't worry too much about the jitter of the source components if you go nDAC, as the nDAC's asynchronous input architecture eliminates this.

No you be right Dave - the OP should do the audition.

Your are right this be where my statement falls asunder. 

I only hoped you would not see this flaw in my argument, but you spotted it right away.

Much too good for me, sir.

I'll try to explain my outlandish comments. 

I had assumed Naim DAC would be better than Rega DAC

(I've not listened with my own ears so I could be way off the mark).

Question 1: Which be better out of these 

MBP/V-Link/Naim DAC

US/Naim DAC

Answer: Neither: though I prefer the former because of its versatility. 

Question 2: Which be best out of these 

MBP/V-Link/Naim DAC

Sonus/Naim DAC

MBP/Chord Gem DAC

Answer: They are in order with the first being the best. 

If we assume the Rega DAC is commensurate with the Chord DAC then my comments are justified. If the Rega DAC is commensurate with the Naim DAC, which makes it a real bargain of the highest order, then I fall on my own keg of gunpowder and my argument is blown to smithereens. 

To me US/Naim DAC makes absolute sense as it combines two Naim products. I can't get my head around why US/Cheap DAC could makes sense unless we have a special case where the cheap DAC be extraordinary, which in the case of Rega be not unheard of for one of its products: top class company. Even so if not using a Naim DAC then I see no reason not to use an equally effective device like the Vortexbox unless there is a synergy between US and Rega DAC that rips my logic to shreds. 

Hope this makes some sense

All the best, Guy

Thanks for all the replies.  I have a LP12 and CD5i feeding my 202\NAPSC\200\Linn Ninkas (which may be replaced by my buddy's SBLs).

I ripped a few years back using EAC\Windows Media Encoder 9, with a script called wma9convert.  The site for the script (which essentially automated the ripping process) has disapeared, but some info on it is here:

http://www.tech-archive.net/Ar...er/2004-02/2677.html

I don't think I used AccurateRip, but I could be wrong.  I do have a copy of my rips that have been converted to FLAC (I don't recall what I used for this, but I don't think it was dbpoweramp).

If my rips are ok after all, then perhaps my focus should be on the DAC, since the UntiServe would be a steep investment if would primarily be used as a streamer?

Another option that crossed my mind is trading in the 202\NAPSC\200 for a SuperNait.  I understand the 202\200 is arguably better, but I am intrigued by the alleged "warmer" sound of the SN and "free" DAC.  This would also save some cash.  How would something like the Rega DAC with my 202\200 stack up against the SuperNait?

I understand that auditions are crucial.  I'm simply trying to narrow down the options since there aren't many dealers nearby.