[jan-jaap]

My latest purchase is only loosely computer related:


(I have the black version, btw)

A Cambridge Audio Azur 851N network player / internet radio / DAC. With the demise of FM radio I was looking for something that can do internet radio. I've experimented with e.g. Raspberry Pi based streamers and internet radios and I'm sorry but it takes more time to find phone/wake up streamer/navigate UI/select new radio station than it takes me to have breakfast. I want something that operates like a HiFi component and integrates nicely with my existing audio equipment.

This will replace the Cambridge DacMagic+ I've had for several years. Only time will tell how much of the rest of my stereo equipment it will replace. I still have a Rotel RC-995 pre-amplifier and a Rotel RCD-991 CD player. So far, I prefer the DACs in the CD player over the DacMagic+, well see how the 851N stacks up. If I "downgrade" the CD player to a mere digital source and use the 851N as a digital pre-amp/DAC, I may as well eliminate the RC-995 pre-amp because I will have no analogue sources left. Or I keep things the way they are, and simply use the 851N as a new, digital source. In either case, I keep the Rotel RB-991 power amp. I love that beast

I'm already looking forward to many hours of my favorite music