Clic v Plato

[Latteman]

I own one of these and is the heart of my system as pre amp, dac & internet streamer
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266048519310 ... media=COPY

I have liked these since I first saw them in 2017/8 but were always expensive and not a lot of info…
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204191344144 ... media=COPY

This is a tempting purchase- anyone ever used one, the beauty of the Clic is it has 3 analogue inputs and a fixed / variable pre out. The screen is good but ‘smallish’ and there is nothing on the market with a similar level of features until I rediscovered these- thoughts guys

[Fretless]

I can only comment on the MF Clic which is based on Musical Fidelity's M1DAC. I owned one of these DACs about 10 years ago and loved it's controlled, refined sound. But it is far too laid-back for some tastes.

However, this is tech from (more than) a decade ago and things have moved on. So this system has no DSD or MQA and a limit (I think) of 24bit /192 KHz. This won't shine by today's standards.

[Latteman]

However, this is tech from (more than) a decade ago and things have moved on. So this system has no DSD or MQA and a limit (I think) of 24bit /192 KHz. This won't shine by today's standards.

Are u referring to both items or just the Clic

[Latteman]

Just had a quick look at both the Clic and the Plato. Both max at 24/192 resolution, no DSD or MQA. Maybe the software has been updated for Tidal and Qobuz? Not sure. Personally I don't like the look of the Plato - clunky and outdated.

The Clic was one of, if not THE, first streaming DAC devices and was certainly ahead of its time in 2011. Also the digital MF gear from this era did sound wonderful in comparison to what was then available.

Technology moves very fast and both of the above can be regarded as mediaeval today. If you are in the market for a streamer/DAC thingy with all the latest capabilities and great SQ then take a look at SMSL who make some nice gear at affordable prices.

https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/produ ... /id/6.html

I can also recommend the Sabaj A20d-2022 which is another affordable MQA DAC.

An alternative option is the hardware produced by Volumio with a series of streaming devices running their superb software.

https://volumio.com/en/

There are so many options nowadays that it is hard to choose. Try and work on out what is necessary for now and what you might want in the near future and then look at the streamers and DACs that are available.

[Latteman]

Cheers
The Clic has everything I need atm as I’ve learned to work around it’s shortcomings- there are sufficient analog (3) and digital inputs- Tidal direct is sometimes annoying but I’ve progressed to using a laptop via usb input. The important factors for me in a streamer are more than 1 analog input, pre out, internet radio and a large screen.
I like the sound from the Clic and feel it works very well with Nva amps so wondered about adding a newer streaming platform to handle the digital inputs and continue with the Clic as a controller/pre amp

[Latteman]

Seems you have your situation thoroughly worked-out.

Volumio-driven streamers work from a phone/tablet app and so another screen isn't really needed. If you are using your laptop via USB then you can consider a DSD/MQA capable DAC in between (with an optional reclocker).

The Clic then becomes, effectively, just a preamp.

[Latteman]

The Clic then becomes, effectively, just a preamp.

I like this idea and have considered it several times
I like the look of the S.M.S.L. M9 DAC - would fit nicely into my system
I also have an Oehlbach XXL masterclock I flirt with - never sure if it’s doing anything

[Latteman]

Have a look at the DACs from Sabaj. A10d and A20d -2022 models.

[Latteman]

Got this for now
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304744736592 ... media=COPY

[Latteman]

Mmmm... Looks nice!