2. digital
  3. 149050-1604

Computer to DAC Streamer

I am looking to get a digital-to-digital streamer for my new office system. I currently have a Sonare microRendu and that unit will move to another room once my new office system is built up. I also use ROON. I was originally considering getting a DAC with Ethernet streaming built-in but I may require a DAC with DSP and those DACs do not have this feature. I should add that the Linn SELEKT DSM streamer/DAC has Ethernet streaming and DSP but lacks the analog inputs I need (it also sounds excellent).

It has been suggested to me to buy an Innous streamer to get my music across to the DAC. However, I am trying to understand why these products are better than my current noisy computer combined with the micrRendu digital-to-digital type products. Anybody done a comparison? Is it because of noise on the Ethernet wire polluting the DAC?

http://innuos.com/en

In no particular order the following streamers have have come up in my research as being better than the microRendu I currently own (I have not heard these) :

Simaudio Mind2
https://simaudio.com/en/product/mind2-network-player/

Sonare Signiture Rendu
http://www.sonore.us/Signature-Rendu-SE.html

Auralic G2 Aeris
https://us.auralic.com/products/aries-g2

I am interested in the feedback or thought process of people who were making the same streamer decision as me. What did you guys end up getting or looking to get? I know there are a lot of lower costs alternatives and I am open to anything that will take my to the top tier sound level.

My preamp/DAC choice is looking like it will be the Anthem STR.
yyzsantabarbara

Showing 2 responses by dep14

dep14
336 posts
 
I’m happy with my Salk streamer into an oppo Sonica DAC.  The Salk is reasonably priced, works great as a Roon Core, streamer, and server.  Can be had with a SSD, and upgraded power supply.

My CDs are all ripped so transfer was a snap.  I don’t want the hassle, expense, and noise from a cd drive, so there is that.  

That said, short of music I can’t get via qobuz or tidal (tool, Metallica) I don’t see needing to rip again.

So, the unit I might look today at is the matrix audio element X.  Top of the line DAC built in, and measurements were outstanding on Audio Science Review.  Best measurements they have run.  3k.

I think a lot of what it comes down to is if you want an outboard DAC or not.

But if you see yourself streaming a lot more than using your ripped music, having the Dac built in with the streamer offers a lot of advantages.  


dep14
336 posts
 
Yes Troy, I realize that Innuos, like all of the brands you carry are the absolute best values around. I think by now everyone on Audiogon realizes that.

I have my thoughts on Innuos also. I’m sure they are solid units.

I don’t think the Salk is the best thing since sliced bread. I’ve not stated that. It’s a reasonably priced unit that offers a lot of bang for the buck. Jim is a good guy, provides great value etc. I don’t make a dime off of my opinions here either. Just a life long audiophile with my own opinions and experiences. I will say that Jim Salk provides awesome support and a heck of a product for the money. Just like his speakers.

Heck, in my own post I also suggested a newer unit that measures extremely well and offers a bit of an alternative.

As for other units. I’ve demoed and owned quite a few. Personally I’ve noticed a much bigger difference in DAC’s than I have the streamers. For me the Salk offered a great value at the time, I still think it does and would for many. Heck, recently I even admitted that for the first time in 30 years plus of being an audiophile that I felt a cable made a true difference - my USB cable from my Streamer to my DAC. Absolutely felt it made a difference. So yes, I do a fair amount of my own A/B on my own and I’m of course open to change.

Lots of equipment out there I feel sounds "Better/different" to my ears than what I own. Just a matter of where I allocate resources aka cashola in my system.

One question however. You really love to globalize and use "we" instead of "I". Why not just "own" your own opinion?

"As we stated earlier". Do you and Troy jointly sit down and type each and every one of your posts declaring what you sell to be the absolute best values at every given price point out there? I (just me, alone posting here by myself) was wondering?
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