2. digital
  3. 194346-139617

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 2 responses by trivema

trivema's avatar
trivema
129 posts
 

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. 

trivema's avatar
trivema
129 posts
 

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? 
 

 

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