Best Network Music Streamer for Mcintosh Equipment

@roddyboy,

To my ears, the digital files sounded dull and flat with C2500 internal DAC. My source was Aurender N10. IMO, C2500 has a very nice Analog sound. If you hadn’t already done so, try some Telefunken NOS tubes. 

If you really like the ‘house’ sound and synergy of MB100 through C2500, look for a used one. There is one on Agon on for $3500.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8e5f4-mcintosh-mb-100-music-server-streamerr-media-servers?crea...=

Outside MAC, like Matt recommended, Aurender N100C or N100H is a very good option but I recommend a better DAC to pair with Aurender.

Honestly, you’re are very unlikely to hear any difference between N100 or Google Chromecast as a digital source with C2500 internal DAC.

@roddyboy,

Azur 851N would be a great choice. They are currently beta testing Tidal streaming (big plus). I used to own 851N, the SQ is pretty good and a great value considering it’s asking price. Most online vendors offers 30 days return policy. 

The other option is to consider is Aurender A10. You get streamer/DAC and very decent preamp all in one chassis. It also does full MQA decoding as well. 

I know you’re trying to stay within a budget, but these two components are worth mentioning considering the current industry trend of one box solution of DAC/Streamer.

http://www.bricasti.com/en/consumer/m1.php

http://nadac.merging.com/product/merging-player