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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.

diminishedchord

Showing 1 response by rikkipuu

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
286 posts
 

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! 

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