Hlep chosing a streamer/server for my DAC

I recommend Aurender. To get into your price range, buy used. They are one of the leading streamers and are almost exclusively used at high end audio shows. I have extensive experience with them. They have an excellent interface (very important) and are among the highest sound quality available at any price. They are priced from $3.5K to $25K. I have one of the lower level and the one of their flagship models. I have used many others. The most imprortant things about a streamer is its sound quality which is a design / build quality thing. Then come the output types. I have used lots of streamer including Aurlic, Grimm, and Linn. I recommend these over others. 

The sound quality of these is so good that I stopped caring about what the resolution was or type of file and just enjoy listening.

Qobuz has over half a million high resolution albums of various specific resolutions. 

Virtually any good streamer will be a significant upgrade from your MacBook. I used one for a couple years... or I should say I had one attached... its sound quality did not come close to my other inputs. So, when I first got a real streamer it was a big improvement. All resolutions will be impacted by a high quality streamer. 

@diminishedchord

I just want to ensure that I'm able to stream the highest possible audio resolution between my DAC (32BIT/768kHz PCM, DOP 256, Native DSD512) and my streamer.

I have read that some streamers will only stream at a certain resolutions despite the streamer and the DAC being capable of much higher. Is this really a problem to be concerned about?

To possibly lead towards an answer your question above, keep in mind, that you can only stream, without upsampling, only as high of a resolution as the source file (i.e. a 16/44.1 file will not magically play at DSD512). So what streaming services are you using?  Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon, YouTube, ripped CD's, etc.

Why I ask is some of the services, like YouTube or Spotify, are not high-rez (or even CD quality) and very limited in their maximum bitrates.  And Tidal and Qobuz will cost more monthly for access to hi-rez files, and only fraction of the overall catalog is available above 16/44.1 CD quality.

Welcome to the daunting digital Rabbit hole!  My suggestion is to step back and look at the forest not the trees to see where you are and where you think you want to go before diving in.

You have a nice entry level DAC.  Many will suggest a similarly priced streamer to match and that would be perfect if you content to just have a foot in the digital door.  However, as the guys at Linn say "Garbage in equals garbage out", so a better streamer will make your DAC better.  I think your plan to spend more is good.  You can upgrade the DAC when it suits you.

Streaming software's sound different.  The Innuos Sense App sounds better to me than Roon and is free and integrates perfectly with Qobuz  and I've used it with Tidal with no issues, so I feel Innuos is a great choice.  I bought a used Innuos 5 years ago and love it.  Support is excellent, updates are free.

As far as connection, for simplicity start with USB.  In my system USB is not best but that doesn't mean it is awful.  I spent time on the I2S bandwagon and it was better with some DAC's and not with others.  I use S/PDIF (with 3 DDC's) now and am planning to purchasing an AES cable hopefully soon as I think it will be better.  You can always add a DDC to swap connections if you get the itch down the road. 

Keep it simple and have fun! 

I recommend you get a streamer that has a superior OS, with frequent updates provided, has a great user forum and sounds great. This lead me to Innuos, the Zen MK 3 is in your price range and is a fantastic streamer, and easily upgradeable in the further. The USB connection to my Dac sounded great now  I run mine into the LAIV uDDC to my Dac which allows for an I2s connection. The OS is really great and reliable. A Glitchy OS will ruin the streaming experience. Just my 2 cents. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145930214489?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=145930214489&targetid=2299003535955&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9033780&poi=&campaignid=21676678693&mkgroupid=166718358683&rlsatarget=pla-2299003535955&abcId=10012311&merchantid=114726615&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21676678693&gbraid=0AAAAA-Cg_1yUlJR0FmMk3jOU9jBdcuqiI&gclid=Cj0KCQjww-HABhCGARIsALLO6Xz1HlawR_KFBYG8IpFOhfA0aAqf2M8IhUJYv-yhl9Zgqu-iwk_rP1EaAhW8EALw_wcB

have you noticed this? Seems to be the only one available in the United States used. Definitely want to get something that you can use AES connection.

At your price point an Innuos Pulse would be a great choice not only for sound quality but for their Sense app that is tops in the industry.  Best of luck 

YEs the 96kHz is a limitation of your MAC. you can still use your MAC? I assume you use Apple Music? @diminishedchord 

@gkelly, thanks.

@soix, I have learn a lot from your posts over the years. Thanks for weighing in. It looks like Innuos is the consensus winner among Audiogoners. Thanks.

@kofibaffour  Yes, I was aware of my Macbook limitation. As with most of us audio enthusiasts, I want more. I, at least, want to approach the sound quality of my vinyl setup. I have been streaming with both Tidal and Qobuz. Thanks for your input.

Avoid Eversolo if you want great support.   They have a bad track record of their units not recognizing some USB DACs.   That's not such a bad problem if not for the fact it worked perfectly before an update.    4 updates later, almost a year and still not resolved.  

I have an Aurender N200 and it's been great.  Several enhancements since I've purchased it and unmatched support in my opinion.  

Innuos is excellent too.  With streamers you are buying more than the box. You are buying into a platform and they are not all great.   

For the money I've been happy with my Bluesound , it's very good but when I went to upgrade I actually traded in a preamp I wasn't using to double my budget and get the N200.    The initial pain of that kind of cash outlay was quickly forgotten after spending many long nights listening to it. 

@diminishedchord get the Wiim Ultra and connect to your DAC's USB input. and use Tidal's connect feature or Qobuz's app built in Wiim's Home App. Wiim has the best UI/UX experience of all the streamers and fucks up the least software wise with constant firmware patches and updates.

As a first streamer than works with many platforms and has great customer support, the WiiM ultra may be a great choice. The App is great. It comes with a remote control as well but I’ve never used it. It has USB and optical outputs. Low cost, great value. 

I’ve demoed plenty of high end streamers, long story short I ended up building my own custom pc. At the end of the day that’s what all these streamers are they are pcs.

Innuos is a solid decision, and they have great software that is well supported. The subject of connections is complicated, but Innuos for the most part uses USB, so decision made for you. Whatever you choose will be a big upgrade over the Mac. 

I use the (old) entry level Aurender N100SC, now replaced by the N150 - $3,500.

I think that the N150 is USB only, thereby reducing the price.  They have excellent performance as a server and support the most popular streaming services, but not the new service from Presto.

It now has built in UPS - streamers are computers (Linux I think in this case) - and may malfunction if their plug is pulled.  This is a real problem where I live in rural VT, way up a dirt road with the power lines strung on old poles between the trees so I have an external UPS.

I use a Bluesound device in my "kitchen" system and have no complaints, you can dip your toe in at rather low cost with that option - about $350.

Look for a used Aurender N200. I’m very happy with mine.

Bought an Innuous Zen Mk 3, then a Denafrips Pontus 12 soon after.  Both were used and it was about $4000. Innuous and Aurender have great sound and greT software.  Bluesound software was no good with support to match.  I had Amazon.  Switched to Qobuz and I think it sounds the best.  The Qobuz app allows me to lookup an artists entire catalog, see what I have marked and read a biography of the artist all from one page.  The data rate was 3X that of Amazon and noticible. Ethernet Filters and a power conditioner add even more.

You will be shocked how much better these streamers sound. 

Another vote for the Aurender N200. 
Unbelievably good sound.  
Well worth the high price, but try to find one used.

Innuos has a lot of varieties streamer serves, some even have a cd drive if you even want to add a cd ,which mine does  Zenith mk3

After years of trying various streamers, Aurender, Roon Nucleus, Bluesound, PC etc. I would not spend big money on a streamer like the Aurenders unless you like the look. I found very little difference in the streamer once a quality dedicated DAC was installed. Also the Aurender app is one of the least user friendly apps on the market. 

 I like the Innuous app and the blueOS from Bluesound the best. I would try one of the less expensive streamers first and upgrade if you feel the need. But for me spending $6000 on an Aurender was a waste of money, I sold it and got one for less than half the cost and can’t tell the difference. I use USB primarily but also use other inputs to my DAC. personally, I think the Aurender guys are biased because they spent so much on a streamer and want it to sound better than the half as much Innuous (which has a way better app).  

Roon for now but would like that capability in a streamer if I get the itch.

Scratch that itch::

Smalll Green Computer to run the ROON core: ~$1000

+ endpoint renderer:

PS Audio Airlens  for <$2K

or 

Sonore optical rendu $1K

or 

Bryston BDP 3 used for $1.5K

Roon subscription: $150/year.

Hello:

I'd toss in a recommendation for the Lumin U2.  It's an excellent streamer, bullet-proof, solid build, built-in optical ethernet, dedicated USB HQ output module, excellent tech support, and works well with their Lumin app, Tidal Connect (or w Qobuz Connect coming soon).

The SQ is also excellent, and if you can pick one up used, it would probably stay in your system for quite awhile.  I upgraded from the U2 mini w sBooster, and it was a big leap forward.

Best,

JAMES.

All good brand recommendations above.  However, consider this, drop a DDC in between your MAC and the A26 DAC, reclocks the stream signal.  Gustard U18 DDC is $499., USB to DDC, I2S to DAC.  Then download Qobuz app (and subscription) to your MAC, load JPLAY iOS to your iPad ($50/yr) to control the MAC (called renderer in JPLAY).  I have this setup with Denafrips IRIS DDC to Pontus DAC. Sounds as good/better than every sub $3k streamer I auditioned, all for less than $1k.  Now if you go Grimm MU1 @$13k, you’ll likely get better SQ, but that’s not the point.

Dedicated streamers/renderers/transports are audio optimized computers that offer some convenience, excellent SQ and additional functionality, e.g., DSP, if you’re interested.  My understanding is the A26 has a built-in renderer, maybe figure out how to implement that first? 
 

Looked it up, Gustard A26 supports Roon and UPNP.  JPLAY is a UPNP controller.  Therefore you should be able to plug the internet directly into your A26 and use Roon or JPLAY to control Qobuz on your iPad.  I’m sure yiur AI assistant can explain how. I’m only HI, human intelligent. 

Another vote for (used) Lumin or Innous. Down the line…,,A lot of streaming folks use Roon. You need a roon server or a streamer w/ Roon. It’s a likely progression.

Back when, I left the Macbook for better sound and got it.  Given the all in of a digital setup that’s on par with excellent vinal please take your time. What you’re coming from is a big step up. The final 10% or so needs stuff but one bit you should add now is a noise reduced switch and good Ethernet cables. 
 

Hello Audiogoners, I have been overwhelmed by the responses I have received. Your advice based upon your experiences is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you. I'm still leaning Innuos. If I can swing it in my budget, I favor the Lumin U2, not only for its ability to stream great music, but for its optical ethernet connection as well (optical ethernet could by the wave of the future). Aurender has been a stalwart in the digital realm for years. You Aurender guys are pretty loyal bunch, no doubt for a very good reason. I haven't been thinking about that streamer because it's my understanding that all are not Roon capable except for one. Maybe Roon is not such a necessary thing? I'd be interested all of your opinions on Roon. I have read some who say it improves the sound, some say it degrades it. What do you guys think? 

Thanks to those who were trying to help me with a more budget friendly solution. I have a rather nice unit in the Acoustic Research VSi75. I really want to pair it with a streamer and DAC worthy of its capabilities. But if my budget won't allow, I always have your budget friendly suggestions to consider. 

I'm still unclear which is the best connection from streamer to DAC. Is it USB, AES, I2S, etc.? I would be interested in your experience with that aspect of digital streaming.

If you have nothing more to add, again, thank you for your kind suggestions. You guys are the best, Eric

I would take a hard look at Innuos (which will be very very detailed) and Aurender (which will be smoother and more forgiving)  

In my experience Aurender has the edge in UI.  

Both Aurender and Innuos will transport Tidal and Qobuz for you in full resolution.

On a side note, you DAC might will likely hold your excellent downstream gear from reaching full potential.  In the digital world DACs are king.  Good luck and have fun.

Another vote for Innuous.  Their Sense app is the best I’ve used streaming Qobuz using my iPad or iPhone.  They have several options to fit your budget.  They also have a CD ripper with different amounts of storage.  Good customer service too.  

@kofibaffour has it ... 

It's ridiculous but it is that good ...  

I'm still unclear which is the best connection from streamer to DAC. Is it USB, AES, I2S, etc.? I would be interested in your experience with that aspect of digital streaming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1aM1_2lOwk

@diminishedchord  A flat for me was optical into a Lumin x1. It sounded sterile compared to copper. As always YMMV. Please tell us about your router/switch and how signal get’s to the streamer and what other connects are in the digital chain.  

I'm still leaning Innuos. 

Nothing wrong with that, you will be happy. 

I favor the Lumin U2, not only for its ability to stream great music, but for its optical ethernet connection as well (optical ethernet could by the wave of the future).

Option number 2. 

Aurender has been a stalwart in the digital realm for years. You Aurender guys are pretty loyal bunch, no doubt for a very good reason. I haven't been thinking about that streamer because it's my understanding that all are not Roon capable except for one. Maybe Roon is not such a necessary thing?

Aurender users don't think so. Option number 3. 

I'd be interested all of your opinions on Roon. I have read some who say it improves the sound, some say it degrades it. What do you guys think? 

Roon is wonderful, it sounds incredible and they continually make improvements which changes the sound, usually for the better. Is Squeeze (Innuos sense is based on Squeeze and therefore almost equivalent) on my streamer (option number 4) better? On many tracks yes, but that doesn't make Roon inferior, just different. I still use Roon 90% of the time as the user interface is world class. I have discovered many new artists and wonderful music I never knew existed. Once you get a streamer that is Roon capable there is a trial period. Oh, and don't go to the Roon forum and ask the question regarding sound quality as the "bits are bits" flat-earthers will shoot you down and ask for "evidence". 

I'm still unclear which is the best connection from streamer to DAC. Is it USB, AES, I2S, etc.? I would be interested in your experience with that aspect of digital streaming.

You are looking for absolutes, there usually are none in audio. Each manufacturer has their own ideas and implement their own philosophies and therefore each unit will have its own optimal connection method, which then varies on the receiving unit connected to it. Same goes for the software on each player. 

You guys are the best, Eric

We know. 

You have received some great suggestions.  However, before you start making some hardware purchases, I suggest that you give audirvana and qobuz a try with your macbook. I recently purchased a mac mini and installed audirvana on it streaming qobuz and tidal and roon to my Sony Oled TV and Martin Logan motion vision soundbar with SVS subwoofer and was truly amazed at how great audirvana and qobuz sounded (to my ear better than roon). Now, it is not at the level of Linear Audio Tube aero dacs with ray reserve tubes and aurender streamers in a sophisticated headphone system or over the top speaker system with ancillary wywires platinum and cardas clear cabling  — getting audiophile level reproduction can be a lengthy process requiring hefty expenditures and a fair amount of effort in getting the system you want.

You should be able to run Audirvāna from a MacBook. Audirvāna is fully compatible with macOS 

• macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later

• At least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended for optimal performance)

If you plan to use the Audirvāna Remote app to control playback from another device, the Remote app itself requires macOS 11.0 or later and an Apple M1 chip or newer for Mac, or iOS 12.0 or later for iPhone/iPad.

Both audirvana and qobuz have a nice free trial period.

Audirvana — 30 day

Qobuz — 60 days offer in May 2025, I believe.

Have fun.

I have an Innuos Zen Mk. 3 I’m very happy with (paired with PS Audio Directstream DAC). The Sense app is very good. Prior to this I used a stripped down, music-only Mac Mini M2 with Audirvāna, which is pretty darn good and quite a bargain setup, but there was always some glitch happening so I got the Innuos.

I use a McIntosh streamer using an iPhone to access Roon.

Cambridge Audio EXN 100 will handle your DSD requirements over usb.  It comes with its own internal ESS Sabre DAC but you could use your own.  If for some reason the streamer and DAC are incompatible then you could use the internal DAC , which is no slouch, as a fallback .  
  The app is an important part of the streaming experience.  CA Stream Magic isn’t perfect-I don’t think a perfect app exists- but it’s the best of the dozen or so that I’ve used.

  The EXN would be half your budget and leave you plenty to spend on those pricey DSD downloads.  It’s possible to get really great digital sound at a much lower price point than with analog

Thank you @mahler123. So many choices, so many ways to go. Indeed, I have been considering choosing a unit that can both stream and be used as a DAC should compatibility issues arise with my current DAC. I really love the sound of my current DAC based on the latest AKM chipset. It's the closest I've heard among chip-based DACs that sound like analogue. The good news, I have a couple of CA dealers in my area were I can audition the EXN. Thanks again for the suggestion.