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

@jmfawdofile

I was in a similar boat and wanted a streamer that sounded better than the RPi and Node. Was going to try the Primare NP5 but went with the Lindemann Bridge II.

It’s a German brand. Looks like a little box but don’t be fooled, high end engineering. Noticeably better sound. Lindemann also have one of the best apps in the streaming game.

I then upgraded the power supply to a price appropriate match, the Farad Super 3, which raised things again.

I don’t know how well this combo competes with expensive streamers. But it killed, for example, the streaming section of the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition, which was a shame because that product was so cool, but the Naim internal streamer could not even come close to the Lindemann/Farad combo.

@norust I wonder if you've had an opportunity to receive the N200 and give initial impressions. Inquiring minds and all. 

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

Best of luck Joe and good for you in doing your research.  @dz13 - I recently posted my initial impressions on a thread I had started back in early fall prior to selecting the N200.  The net is that the early listening through the Aurrender has been delightful.  Its a big step up for me and an improvement in the sound quality and detail.  I found the N200 very easy to install and am running Conductor on my iPad.  Have no issue whatsoever with the Conductor app but at this time I am primarily streaming TIDAL.  I was able once I narrowed down my choice in the search to find a lightly used one owner  N200.  So not a big delta in the price over a new N150.  Yesterday I added a new USB cable between my N200 and DAC - a Network Accoustics eno USB III.  

@norust Congrats. I've also bit on the Aurender N200 and it is expected Wednesday. A few questions.

Have you tried both USB and Coax connections? If so, which do you prefer? What DAC are you using? Have you stored local music yet? If so, any advice for getting that going?