Hello there , just in case you might be interested… I have a NS1 from EMM LABS for sale on Canuck/ US audio mart , unit is in perfect like new condition and have exactly the characteristics your are looking for and for less than your budget… Thanks for looking and good luck with your search ! https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650140317-emm-labs-ns1-streamer/ |
Pretty sad that you already have a great streamer in the Auralic Altair G2.1, but it has no digital outputs. That sux. The Holo Audio May DAC has two I2S inputs. While the USB is obviously a good way to get digital data into it, I'm sure you might always be questioning if the sound quality might be a touch better using I2S, so I would look for a streamer in your price range that offers I2S output. You can use the presumably better clocking circuit inside the Holo May with either USB or I2S. Good luck. |
I got a very slightly used Innuos zenith Mk 3 for $3500 here on Audiogon. I could not afford the $5500-7000 the new streamers I want were costing. It's really good. Innuos Sense software is really reliable so far. If you have a sensitive system that reveals when sources sound good or bad, don't cheap out of a streamer, especially if you have a decent DAC. My previous one was the Ifi Zen stream in my revealing system and there were definite sound deficits. I had to go upscale. I agree with the Impulse or Auralic brand suggestions here. Get the highest level you can afford. |
Eversolo A8. You can turn the screen off if you don’t like it. DAC out if you don’t like the internal one (which is very good.) Integrates with every streaming source I’ve ever heard of and more. You can rip CDs to it, ARC hdmi to your T.V., network it, copy files to it, listen to podcasts and hundreds (maybe thousands) of high quality internet radio stations. I don’t know what else anyone would want. Needless to say I’m very happy with mine. The only thing that might bother people, but others will love, is the high quality R2R volume control which goes clickety click. The software interface for your iPhone or iPad is excellent. |
If you want a streamer without built-in DAC, there is the Lindemann Network II for about $1000USD. (You can add an USB drive if desired) The app is excellent as well. There is also the Melco N100 with 5tb storage for $2500 - possibly the best sounding family of music servers. I use the JPlay app with the Melco. |
I have a Bryston BDP3 which can be found used quite frequently for a very good price (less than two grand). That unit is basically a glorified Intel computer so it has plenty of processing power to pre-buffer streaming services like Qobuz for truly gapless playback. The one caveat is the interface software supports only Tidal & Qobuz... and is rather archaic to say the least. But it has a nice mini-display with fluorescent read out, a robust linear power supply, and has excellent sound quality. I prefer that to their latest model which combines the streamer with their renowned DAC...but uses a raspberry Pi system with much less processing power and memory.
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@philgo01 |
If you are going to use the MacBook pro to a DAC via USB get yourself galvanic isolation. Most good DACs now have a decent clock for asynchronous transfer, so you are OK there, but the noise from the Mac is a real issue. I bought an Intona isolation device and heard a big difference - no AB testing required. Also, and this surprised me, switching from a cheap USB cable mattered. The isolation device helped even with a Qutest DAC, which is supposed to have built in galvanic isolation. Also, getting shielded power cords near the DAC made a difference. |
I never understood the pricing structure of pure digital sources beyond say a couple of grand USD. I am an electrical engineer by training and can confirm that electronically, bits are bits. The power supply, DAC and analog stage do matter as it impacts sound quality. But for source, I am thrilled with WiiM's |
Maybe I should be more specific. I have an Auralic Altair G2.1 (DAC and streamer) and I'd like to go separates (DAC and separate streamer.) I'm planning getting a Holo May KTE DAC soon and am looking for a really good streamer but don't want to waste money on a screen. If Lumin had better software that's where I'd head. I know streamers matter- I have had a BS node, Lumin U1 mini, Lumin U1, Auralic Aries Mini, Auralic Aries G2.1. Sorry to not be clearer earlier |
I haven't heard Innuos but I love my Aurender n150, paid retail $3500 and it was worth every penny. I have a big library of CDs all ripped in .WAV and it has a built in slot for a SSD hard drive which has my library on it. It sounds dead quiet, sound quality is amazing connected to my Schiitt Yggdrasil DAC. I have Qobuz which sounds very good and the hires stuff is really nice, but full CD quality on the built in n hard drive blows away streaming. The app is a little clunky but not bad and I wish it came with a standard IR remote for pause, play, skip tracks without having to look at a phone or tablet, but besides that it is a fantastic streamer that is built like a tank with all kinds of isolation and a battery backup built in so it runs off pure power internally, it also has a buffer so it downloads the songs as it goes etc and doesn't get bottlenecked as it streams. I think Aurender just came out with a new model that is basically a N150 with a built in DAC for the same price at $3500 and I think it does come with a IR remote. If you want Hi-res streaming and having your library in one box instead of your music being on a NAS or computer I highly recommend Aurender.
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I've been extremely happy with my Innuos Zen Mk3. The Sense app for playing music is fantastic. In fact, I know several dealers who consider Sense to be the best streaming app currently available, preferring it over Roon (and others) based on sound quality and stability. If you need to store some music files in addition to streaming, then consider the Zen (new) or the Zenith (used). If you don't need server storage, then consider the Pulse (or increase your budget and get a Pulsar). Good luck! |
The new Aurelic S1 for $2 to $3k looks interesting, though it does not support fibre optic. AURALiC introducing new S1 streamer, updated ALTAIR G2.2 and V10 softw - AURALIC I would still get something from Sonore., who have many fibre streaming options. Small Green Computer brings your entire music collection to life The Lumin streamers are good. I had the $15k X1 but the much cheaper Sonore OpticalRendu was comparable. They sounded different and both were good. I kept the Sonore opticalRendu. |
