Best Network Music Streamer for Mcintosh Equipment

Stereo5,
The big issue i ran into was the firmware upgrade. I spent 4-5 days working with Mcintosh support and Media Bridge Support to remove the downloaded firmware to no avail. Glad i decided to return it before it was too late only to face the other issues you described. This is why i’m looking for suggestions from you audiophiles in this forum..

From what I have heard, the McIntosh MB100 is prone to many problems including network cutting in and out, freeze ups, and some say after one of the firmware upgrades, the device won't boot up.  I was told by more than 1 Mac person to steer clear.

I have no Mac experience, so take this with a grain of salt.

For network connectivity, I use a Bluesound Node.
For DAC, I use an Ayre Codex.
I have no complaints.
Another DAC's I would recommend is the Schiit Gungnir Multibit and Yggy.

To me, DAC technology is going to improve exponentially, so buying the 'best' (and usually, 'most expensive'), is an effort in futility.
Plus, I like how Ayre  and Schiit offer upgrades to their equipment.
B

@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

I don’t really like the C2500 DAC and currently use the OPPO 105D but i want to get away from it, and thought a music streamer with built in DAC would be nice. I’m seriously looking at the CAMBRIDGE AUDIO - Azur 851N Network Player. Anyone have experience with this unit or have other suggestions?

Thanks guys and gals, it now brings up another question. I know the MB100 has a built in DAC, what other network music streamers, w/o the high price of MB100, with built in quality DACS would you suggest? 

@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.

With your C2500 having a built in DAC all you need is a streamer, the best sounding streamer which also has the best app (conductor) is Aurender, the X100 is a streamer that comes in different sizes 4TB's to 12TB's. I think they even make a 2TB one now the N100.

http://www.aurender.com/page/x100

Matt M