Best Dedicated Streamer

Just some observations that might be helpful to consider.

It seems the best results from streaming are achieved via reclocking the digital output and serving up the cleanest, lowest jitter and distortion signal to the DAC.

The magic is in the code of the digital filters used in reclocking. Grimm Audio, Antipodes and Auralic for instance make a point of their filters and spdif outputs.

There will never be a best, it all changes too fast.

There is no right way to optimise a network. Some devices really benefit from a super dooper network, some are quite immune ... and everything in between.

It would be wise to start with a solid network before auditioning, you need a steady reference. Once you choose a streamer, you can exoeriment with scaling back or improving the network.

There is so much to say about the improvements to networking that can be done, but I wont so as to not derail this topic. But I will say, every bit can matter if you system reveals it - which can equally be a curse and opportunity. Also don’t overlook the router. Plenty of info on AudiophileStyle.

Don’t overlook the importance of the server, it’s job is really to minimise workload on the streamer.

Some sample rate conversion by the server can be beneficial, at least due to the benefit of reconstruction filters rather than super high rate.

Enjoy the journey.

So, I spent about 3 years running down a solution for my setup.

I have two main requirements (besides superb audio quality of course):

- I2S digital output from the dedicated Streamer to my DAC

- Roon Ready certification

I also require PCM 384 and DSD 256 as well, since those are what my DAC supports. You may have different needs.  Oh, and I really prefer a US made AND supported product.

My search led me to Musica Pristina and the A Capella III Streamer. 

Hand built in US. Integrated LPS and I2S support.

I sold a Streamer that cost over twice as much ($12K US) after doing a risk free 30 day evaluation of the A Capella III. Kevin at Musica Pristina is the designer and was incredibly helpful and completely willing to allow 30-day trial with Zero restocking fee.

I have owned a Grimm MU-1 since December'19.

At that time the Taiko was its main competitor. 

Both units did very well, but I ended up with the Grimm as I could listen to music for umpteen hours (6-8 hour sessions) without any fatigue.

The Grimm does it all in presentation of the music without drawing any attention to itself.

It was my first ever streamer in my system, and its need for not having added paraphernalia like clocks, switches and other components showcases the research that they have done.

Someone did mention that the choice of AES/EBU cable is the most you would need to your musical tastes. I used the one which they used in their factory, which was a simple studio quality 110ohm cable.

I don't have the urge to find any other streamer or a need for upgrade since I have had this unit.

Definitely a must audition unit, as it out does the transport in my Playback Designs player.

I have been happy with Innuos. Works great with Roon. I plugged in a 2TB USB for backups.  Works seamlessly.

After being bitten by the streaming bug I purchased a Node as almost everyone does. While I don't have the budget for the higher end brands nor way up a specific brands line-up's.

So I purchased what I could afford, a Lumin U1 Mini (U2 Mini is now the current model and U1's are starting to show up preowned). The only thing the Node has in common with the Lumin is they are both classified as streamers lol.

Every element of my SQ improved dramatically! 

The issue with streamers is like computers, they are/will outdate themselves faster than any other HiFi component.

And I agree, Roon is a must. I have demoed Tidal (with an MQA ready DAC), Qobuz and Amazon HD... All stand alone and in Audirvana (not for Amazon).

So, for me I dispelled my curiosity with MQA. 24/96 & 24/192 sound superior to me IMHO.

Roon/Qobuz is a clear winner in SQ....