2. digital
  3. 195410-92513

Another request for Streamer Transport options

I am starting to research Audio streamers, preferably transport only.

Budget is unclear until I learn more but I hope to keep it under $3000.

I have Apple iPhones, MacBook Pro’s, Windows PC’s, and a Synology DS923+ NAS. I have both wired, up to 5g, and wireless.

I’ve saved all my CDs in both ALAC and FLAC. I don’t currently stream but am open to trying Qobuz. My primary music source is a record player and a streamer is a secondary concern.

I would like to connect to both an Anthem STR preamp and an Anthem AVM 90 AV preamp/processor. The STR has USB, digital and analog, the AVM has HDMI, digital, and analog inputs.

I avoid purchasing from Chinese owned companies if possible while realizing even if a company is US based, my preference, manufacturing could be in China. It seems a number of commonly recommended products are made by Chinese owned companies. I don’t judge others choices; it is just my personal preference.

Thank you.

george_r
buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
650 posts
 

I have to give a +1 to the Innuos listed above. I just started on this journey and went in too low with the Innuos Pulse Mini and an aftermarket LPS. First off I’ve emailed with Innuos twice regarding issues and they were extremely helpful and pointed out that I had a DAC issue after they researched my DAC and replied. Their software is more than adequate for my needs, but the mini fell short of my system. You have nice gear and there are  $3k  and $6k thresholds with Innuos. If I were you I’d try to get a demo with the Pulse and the Pulsar. Also FWIT they have new products coming out you might consider. Regards , Mike B.  

boxcarman
488 posts
 

I must be the only one who didn't have success with the Innuous Pulse.  Unless you count the full refund I received. Too many dropouts and simply would not play most of the time.  Was it the cache size?  I spent more than a few hours with Innuous chat. I am still looking too.

george_r OP
37 posts
 

I like a lot about the Innuos Pulse but when contacting my dealer was told it has been discontinued and replaced with the Streamer1. That explains why there are so many for sale on the "used" and demo market. Apparently Innuos will continue to list them until inventory runs out but they are no longer being made.

The Streamer1 looks nice but I need to understand the options better as they can add a lot of cost.

Seems the unit comes with a USB output but there is also a PhoenixUSB reclocker board. I'm not sure the specification of either. Ideally I would want both a USB to my STR and optical to my AVM 90 but unless the included USB is adequate I don't think you can add both options. The SPDIF board has three outputs I could switch between my two preamps if they are better than the included USB but that isn't the case with most streamers.

  • Provide a superior SPDIF Coaxial, Optical and AES outputs for your DAC
  • Supports PCM up to 24bit/192KHz

I can add my own internal SSD which is nice and there is an LPS1 and other options that keep adding to the cost.

 

soix
10,430 posts
 

Here’s a used Pulse in very good condition at a $1200 discount from new, and the seller offers a return policy, which is nice.  Best of luck.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/326682378724

mikhailark
389 posts
 

Streamer is just a small computer. Don't waste too much money. There is NO stream between you and the source, Internet does not create special channels for you. Everything is sliced, diced, packet into packages, cached, compressed, comes from multiple sources out of order. Puny ARM in that expensive "audiophile"  thingy is, in fact, worse than an Intel or M4 in your laptop or iPad.

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