As I just bought this streamer recently, thought I'd add my thoughts for those doing their research on this component to this thread despite its age (though you may also find it originally posted in another streamer related thread)..
I stream music via Tidal Connect and my existing chain consists of a third gen Bluesound Node (which, for the $350 price, cannot be faulted) connected via USB to a Holo Cyan 2 which then connects via XLR’s to my Hegel H390 and then onwards to a set of Boenicke W8SE speakers through Veritas’ Apurta speaker cables (great performers for the money).
I gave myself a $2K budget for a new streamer and settled on Holland based Magna Hi Fi’s Mano MKIII.5 streamer with its separate matching Farad 3 LPS. Magna Hi Fi offers several optional upgrades and, after bathing in snake oil, I opted for their offered upgrades on the connecting cable for the two boxes, a fancy pants fuse and LAN isolator from Synergistic Research. I think their base case unit retails somewhere around $1,200 and can be upgraded down the road, if curiosity gets the better of you.
The two boxes are matched and diminutive in size but once plugged into my system, and now connected via I2s I can say without question, it makes a difference.
I don’t know why or how, but am really quite stunned at the improvement in sound quality. Everything I stream sounds much cleaner, quieter and more detailed. Am now a big believer in the benefits of a separate linear power supply. Also, I'd note their Level 2 silver cable works really well in a system like mine, which already has plenty of warmth. Honestly, I would not have thought a streamer could make such a contribution to my overall sound quality but it's clearly a step forward.
I’m using the Volumio software (Magna HiFi offer several options) which is proving a solid platform for me. One downside, if you like to stream Tidal Connect natively (as I do) the optimal way to do so requires Volumio’s subscription service. Note you can stream Tidal via the Volumio software without the subscription, but to do so natively, via the Tidal Connect app, you need to pay the piper.
I'd also add that Magna HiFi was very responsive to my pre purchase questions re software. Overall, a really great sounding bit of kit that punches above its weight. Highly recommended As always, YMMV
