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
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
612 posts
 

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. 

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,760 posts
 

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

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,324 posts
 

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

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,743 posts
 

 

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).  

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,033 posts
 

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.

More to discover