Another post about a streamer upgrade


Hello

I’ve read a lot of the threads here about streamers and moving up the chain.

However, it seems there’s not a ton of info for relatively modestly priced streamers … most threads focus on the Bluesound / Ifi Zen range or the Aurender N200 range.

I have an Ifi Zen Stream with an LPS fronted by an Ether Regen and would like to move on to something better… mainly from a usability and app standpoint but would like to spend significantly less than $2k.

I think the writing is on the wall with the Innuos Pulse Mini but curious if others have a suggestion that would be a sq improvement from the Ifi and a much better user experience for around $1500 give or take.

I currently use the JPLAY app to access Qobuz to stream DLNA to the Ifi but it’s frustrating and connectivity isn’t great. 
 

I don’t use Roon so the Sense app from Innuos is probably the best bet from what I gather.   I’d also be interested in the Aurender system but according to many the N200 is where to start there and that’s significant higher priced than where I want to go at this point.

Are there any other options with great usability and sound that I’m not thinking of.

I typically run Spdif coax out to my dacs but could also run usb.

thanks in advance 

j_andrews

Showing 2 responses by soix

If you can stretch a little this Innuos Zen is nice, and you don’t need to upgrade to a linear power supply cause it already has one,  Bonus is you can load any of your prized CDs right into it.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650056614-innuos-zen-mk-3/

The Innuos Pulse Mini looks a decent candidate.

@jerrybj  I agree, especially as you already have a Pardo LPS.  I’ve seen a few reports where owners said the Zen Mini with an external LPS rivals the sound of the Zen, and it’s likely the Pulse Mini will sound even better.  Best of luck.