As an older audio nut I sympathise, some old equipment is still fine, some is not. I had a pair of Royd Doublet speakers for 20 years, I must have bought 8 pairs as replacements but none lasted until my recent 2 year old Audio Physic Sitara 25's. It didn't matter what else I ungraded the Royds always sounded right. Everything else was too dull or too bright or well a lot of other things. I have tried about 10 streamers and most sounded good to very good. The main issues were not really sound quality but other things, reliability, my MicroRendu, 3 years of hell, was hopeless and an Allo USB Bridge sent my computer into apoplexy, however both use Audirvana as an interface which I loved. I bought a Stack Link, sounded beautiful, when it worked but the app was atrocious, don't even think of using it with a mac. Next was a Lumin U1 mini, sound good but no better than a Bluesound Node I borrowed at the same time., at over twice the price and no DAC. As I had a great DAC, Denafrips Ares 2, I tried it with the Node, didn't like changes of sample rate just popped and jumped when it changed from track to track. Now I have a Lindemann Limetree Bridge, a review gave it about -5 on a scale of 1 to 10. However the whole, I mean whole problem stated was its distortion at 0.003%????? Can anyone hear that, tube amps are about 0.1%. This cost AUD$1000, app is nice, it never drops out, no problem with the Denafrips, It sounds at least as good as any other platform I have tried or listened to, including $10,000 worth of Moon. Go listen, after all that is what we buy hifi for, in the end however unless your system cost squillions, it may well be other things that influence your choice.
Best streamer for a returning audio guy
Hello, hope you all can help. My question is what is the most reasonable streamer to try in my system to see if it works for me?
A little background is in order . I’m an older gentleman, who was into audio years ago. I’m currently rebuilding my system with newer technology. I have significant older components. Such as Adcom separates, ( not currently using), Yamaha reciever rxa 2000 as a preamp, Rotel amp driving center speaker and rears, crown class d driving main speakers, I have many speaker choices. Currently using Kef 105/2 as mains ( have Martin Logan’s as well) , Martin logan cinema as center, Martin Logan’s a rear surround. All interconnects and speaker wires are morrow audio.
I am / was old school with over 1500 vinyl album’s from years of collecting. About 100 cds. One interesting note, this rebirth of my interest in audio came with my wife giving me a turntable for Christmas several years ago. Finally joked it up and after 30 years I was hooked again!!!
On to my question, it appears that almost everyone is now streaming their music. Ok, I understand the concept ( have Sirius in the car) . What is the best unit to try this out. Can’t break the bank, used is ok, actually preferred. Any outlet advice would be appreciated.
I’m working to eventually get to the level of most of you. I have visited my local real hi fi store and have heard the”great” components and eventually I’ll get there. Thanks, and looking forward to your replies. Twodogs112.