Apple iPad music streamer

OMG a dedicated streamer yes! I streamed with iPads, MACs, PC, iPods for that matter… my first dedicated streamer was a Auralic Aries G2… it didn’t last that long before I got my first Aurender. I prefer them. I now own two… see my systems under my ID.

What you get out of a streamer is dependent on the rest of your system. If the rest of your system is great it will just drop your jaw. Like a great turntable.

Sorry Kevin I am not sure I understand your question. After iPads I have used $3K $5K, $10K and finally a $22K streamer… each upgrade was very very significant. Ancillary equipment must support the increases in sound quality. My current streamer / DAC combo equals the sound quality of my great analog end (Linn LP12. Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge with Audio Research Ref 3 Phono stage).

An easy option for a wired connection is just to get a wall wart WiFi extender with an Ethernet port on the side (~$50) . Locate next to your system, plug in your streamer. I have heard many +$100K systems connected this way including my own systems. Works great, so running wire not required. Want to improve it you can connect a EtherRegen to the line from the extrender… but a good streamer takes care of the bits.

OP,

My Aurender W20SE is $22K. I was concerned about the cost until I put it in my system…. It is a bargain. I immediately was thankful that I didn’t go for a lessor model.

Your thinking is in the right place… battery is quiet. The Aurender uses a battery to power the audio portion to minimize noise… it works. MACs / PCs too noisy. A good streamer is built up from the ground floor to be quiet. 

I have tried about all. DAC first, external streamer second. Both necessary for great sound.