I need a new streamer.

[Pim]

Well, I've done an evaluation on the Cary DMS-700 streamer. This thing is quite a multi purpose box. It has a lot of ways to play music, but I'm a Roon user, so that was my preferred and only used input. It has upsampling and a DAC built in. I set it up to run into the Expert's analog inputs and, I must say, these inputs showed everything the Cary did. Every change in upsampling was pretty apparent. The Cary does PCM up to 705.6 Hz and DSD up to 256. I found the DSD to sound more natural with better bass definition. Upsampling PCM just gets worse the higher you go. It just adds higher frequency stuff that doesn't add to the music, but what it does do is make it more fatiguing. DSD up higher seems to do the same, but to a lesser extent.

So I decided on DSD64 as the best output. It doesn't better the Holo Audio Red in normal PCM though. I also tried DSD from Roon through the Red, but that just makes things worse. The Red getting normal PCM sounded more full, with less glare than the Cary. Of course it's important to keep in mind that the Cary's analog output still goes through the Expert's AD/DA conversion process, so it's not a proper comparison. Still, it's nice the know the Expert is transparent enough to show all these differences.

So, my conclusion; a NUC and a Holo Audio Red  plus 14k of power cables and conditioner and I'm pretty happy. I wonder what impact a higher priced streamer would have. Does anyone have any experience with the Hole Red and compared it to others?

Slightly off topic here, so apologies in advance for that.

Pim - An interesting summary above. I have a suggestion. 

One advantage that Holo Red offers is that it can serve as an HQPlayer NAA endpoint. I see that you use Roon. With the Holo Red you have the option to run Roon to HQPlayer, then HQPlayer NAA to the Holo Red. Is adding this extra complexity to a system worthwhile? In my view yes, simply because to my ears replacing Roon RAAT with HQPlayer NAA provides a very welcome uplift in sound quality, akin to adding more expensive / higher performance electronics. Also, once HQPlayer is set up, it is 100% stable and works seamlessly with Roon. Highly recommended I would say.

Maybe this is of interest to you maybe not? If it is of interest, HQPlayer is available as a fully functioning free trial. Nothing better that listening for yourself, in your system.

If you happen find yourself with a free hour or so of time and fancy some tweaking, well worth giving this a try.

 Hi Confused. Great minds... HQ player was my next thing to try in my audio journey. I found out along the way about the Holo Red doing HQ player NAA, so it makes sense to try this out.