Looking for intermediate-step Streamer: better than BS Node and not @ Bartok level pricing

Hi,

I have had the opportunity to listen to the Aurender A100 and A10. No doubt the A10 is better.

I found a local dealer to audition the Innuos. Will be working on that.

This discussion has been both VERY helpful and VERY confusing. I am becoming increasingly aware that the APP is critical to a good experience. I particularly appreciate those of you who have shared ideas about PURE streamers or apples to apples with a constant DAC.

I have reconsidered my budget -- to much less, as it seems like the answer to this question is very much still open. I know you each have found a Streamer/DAC you like. Reading the latest review of the new Bartok in TAS, describing it as a revelation, makes me realize how early we are in this process of getting the technology right. I am going to proceed with caution.

Thanks again for all your help and ideas!!

Joe

This discussion has been both VERY helpful and VERY confusing

Sometimes the best answer is one that yields more questions. 

Absolutely.  

jazzman7

Thank you.  This is helpful.

jazzman7

Can you let me know what in particular you mean when you say BIG STEP UP?

Thanks.

joe

soix

7,620 posts

10-29-2023 at 07:41pm 

Lots of good info and nice system, but what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?

Hi,I don't have a fixed budget.  Something in the 3-6K region sounds reasonable to me to be a MID-STEP.  But again, that is part of the question I am asking.  If there is nothing shy of a $10k investment to make the move up...well...that is what I would like to know.  My system sounds pretty good.  But I know there is a world that is vastly superior -- for $25k.  I am not able to make that investment now.  I'm looking for a SIGNIFICANT upgrade at a modest price.  I am certain that for a few $1K I could do better.  Not interested.  I want to land somewhere where I can stay for a decade while I continue learning about the ultimate systems.

So what is my budget?  I ask all of you: what should I allocate for such an upgrade?

Hi, Thanks for all the suggestions.  I don't use ROON and I don't have any stored music files (or not many, and I never listen to them.)  I am strictly looking for a streamer.  I use Tidal, Qobuz and Idagio.  Looking to keep the budget in the 3-6 range.  I have the better Shunyata PCs (everywhere) and Shunyata digital cable b/w BS and Yggy.  

FYI: When I borrowed the Bartok, I spent a lot of time with the various settings and did not find it harsh. 

Curious to learn more about the TeddyPardo LPS upgrade.  

Thanks again to all.

Joe

Hi All,

Thanks for the may suggestions.  For the next step (in an always ongoing process), I am looking to keep my Yggy DAC and -- for now -- only looking to upgrade the streamer.  Again, the budget is $3k-$6k.  I have heard the openness and realism of the Bartok v1.  LOVED it.  But it is out of my budget -- even used.  

Seems like Bricasti, Lumin, Simaudio, Cambridge, Aurender, PS Audio and Auralic are what is being suggested (did I forget any?).  The BS app is excellent.  And that has spoiled me.  The DCS app is terrible. I have used Aurender app.  Not bad.  Any thoughts on the apps for these streamers?  

Now I have to go out and find these and listen!!

Joe