would this work...good amplifier and a portable DAC

[Randolph]

Hello all,

I would be interested in opinions as I am considering selling up and replacing my existing Cyrus cd/amp system. I've moved to streaming from Tidal and so have no more need for my collection of CD's. I've looked at quite a few all in one systems around the 2k mark from NAD, Cyrus and Naim, but can't help wondering if it would be more affordable to take a good quality amp from say Naim and just partner with a mobile DAC such as a Dragon Fly Cobalt and just use a laptop or phone to stream the music? I would be sending to some floor standing speakers - PMC FB1. I like good sounding music, but won't consider myself an audiophile by any means and I'm wondering if this compromise would be pretty much as good as say a Naim Uniti Atom?

Any opinions much appreciated!

DR

[Miserablegit]

I can see it being a PITA using a laptop or a phone to stream.
Can you not get a hi res streamer to plug into the existing Cyrus ? Most standalone steamers also have basic remotes meaning a phone isn’t always required to operate.

[Randolph]

The Cyrus kit is about 20 years old so due a change I think! I believe I could get a remote for the laptop. I mostly interested in sound quality I think....

[legzr1]

Naim did what you’re suggesting - they added the NDX streamer and DAC modules and boards to a supernait amp and created the 80/w channel superuniti.

They’re available lightly used for around £1000 and I would expect it to perform brilliantly with your existing speakers.

[mgv8]

The Dragonfly is good but can not do full bandwidth MQA Tidal (I think). Amp with built is DAC should be better. NAD as some interesting options.

[TonyRPH]

mgv8 said:

<snip>
full bandwidth MQA Tidal (I think).
<snip>

Now that's an oxymoron if there ever was given how MQA manipulates the audio stream.