Hlep chosing a streamer/server for my DAC
Greetings Audiogoners, I took the dive into digital last year. I bought a Gustard A26 and loved the sound it produced. Close enough for me to analog—I currently have an Audio Research VSi75, a Herron Audio pre-amp and a VPI table.
I have been streaming through my MAC laptop. I know, not optimal. I want to make the next move to a dedicated streamer where I can sit in my chair with my tablet and drift off into sonic bliss. My problem: I'm unclear as to which streamer to pursue. Can you guys demystify things for me; dumb it down for this vinyl guy to understand? 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 also want to avoid compatibility issues with whatever connection I choose to use between the streamer and DAC.
For example 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? Also, which connection should I favor
AES, SPDIF coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S or USB. I have been using USB but I find that I can only stream at 24/96 even though higher bitrate files are possible (probably the limitations of my MAC). I currently use CAT 6 Ethernet to my MAC and USB to my DAC.
My budget is around $3700 tops. Can you help make make the right decision? Some of the streaming choices I have considered are the Lumin U2 (used) or U2mini with an S Booster, Innuos Pulse (used) or Pulse mini with power supply, Roon clone with a linear power supply or an Eversolo DMP-A10.
I freely admit I know next to nothing about digital audio. I need just the basics to make a wise purchase. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Showing 6 responses by diminishedchord
@gkelly, thanks.
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@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.
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@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. |
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 |
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.
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