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

I love my N200. It's even better now with Conductor 4 controlling it

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?

Seems like my prior recommendation, which was tailored specifically for what you’re looking for, went unnoticed so I’ll reiterate FWIW…

An easy recommendation is the Innuos Pulse that in addition to being an excellent streamer comes with their Sense app that gets very high marks for both usability and sonics, and they also offer top notch customer support should you ever need it.

@jmfawdofile , Get a Esoteric N-03T (It has all the trickle down from their stuff that used to cost more)....

Later on (as you get richer), try the Grimm Audio MU1....

Or (since you seem like nice guy! 😁).............. just ditch all this crap altogether and get into Sony’s 360 reality audio eco system...i.e. Get the Sony STR-AZ7000ES Receiver (about 3300 bucks), run preouts into some meatheaded class A amps for fronts. Add 2 more Vienna Acoustic speakers for surrounds (i.e. a total of 4 speakers). Now, you will start to hear/experience all kinds of things inside a 3D dome of object based audio that all the 2 channel dudes will never hear in life after spending a few hundred thousand dollars. All the 60s to 90s rock musicians will be sitting on your lap inside the 3D dome.

I am looking at the N150 (or N100).  It is used alot at audio shows and is well made.  The N150 will have great resell value if you want to swap it out in a year.  Like others have said, I would spend in the 3's for a streamer and save the rest for a DAC.  Personally, I think the DAC will have more impact then the streamer - but I agree, one small step at a time.  

@soix  - Do you have specific experience with the Innuos Pulse?  I ask because I am going down this road and I am interested in the Innuos Pulsar.  My only possible drawback is only USB output and that I haven't heard it to assess SQ.  Another I am looking at is the ARIES G2.2.

OP - I replaced a BS Node with an Aurender N100SC and the Aurender completely destroys the Node in every respect. The same DAC (Border Patrol DAC SE) and cable (Oyaide DR510) were used with each streamer, so it was an apples to apples comparison.

N100s are going for around $1500 +/- a few hundred right now. You have a pretty healthy budget, so you can go for something even better (N150 or N200). Any of these will be a drastic improvement. Will it be a Bartok-level improvement? I have never heard one, so I can't say.

@mitch2   Unfortunately I don’t have experience with the Pulse and not many do as it’s a relatively new model, and there are frustratingly few reviews of any of the Pulse-series streamers so they’re still a bit of an unknown but likely to share many sonic characteristics of the Zen and Zenith.  I recommended the Pulse due to Innuos’ reputation for good sound along with a really excellent app that some have even abandoned Roon for.  Frankly, in your price range I’d look at Innuos and Aurender and choose the one that offers the features/sound you’re looking for.  Sorry I can’t be more help. 

jmfawdofile,

I really feel the Innuos Pulsar would be a very good option for you to consider. It is just a streamer and has an Integrated PhoenixUSB Lite Reclocker .

@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?

I am still early on with the N200.... 

Presently connected to my DAC with USB and will plan on running with this over the next 30 days before testing Coax.  I have yet to store any music.  My current DAC is the Schitt Yggdrasil LIM which I have had in my system about a year.  No complaints whatsoever about the quality of sound from this DAC but will likely be looking to step up in 2024.  I deliberately spent more on my streamer so I wouldn't have to go through a replacement/upgrade process with this anytime soon.  

Re advice on the set up - its very straightforward and took me about 30 minutes.  Aurrender provided a solid quick start guide - just make sure to check all your connections.  I know a few posters have had issues with connectivity between their iPad and Conductor.  Hope this helps! 

Thanks. 

Congrats on you folks that have bought an Aurrender N200. It is likely the Sp/DIF connection will sound better and that the Yggdrasil will hold back the performance somewhat… but I am sure you will really enjoy the streamer.

That's what I've heard so I've ordered a decent coax cable. Going to connect it to a T+A Dac 200 which is still in its box. Going to be interesting. I have a decent USB cable too so I may test out both. 

 

This discussion has been both VERY helpful and VERY confusing

Sometimes the best answer is one that yields more questions. 

This discussion has been both VERY helpful and VERY confusing

Sometimes the best answer is one that yields more questions. 

Absolutely.  

Auralic Aries G1.1 or G2.2 ... G1.1 is about $2300. new G2.2 is $6000.  I had an Aries G1 for about 4 years, just recently upgraded to the G2.2

Have any of you used the Sonore products, ultraRendu, opticalRendu, or Signature Rendu SE and, if so, what did you think and particularly compared to other options?  The first two range from like $1.1K to $1.8K, which should meet the "intermediate-step" intent of the OP.

Another two for the OP to consider are Metrum's Ambre and Sonnet's Hermes, either of which are around $1K. 

I might be a little confused about the term "streamer" since those products are also sometimes called an endpoint, renderer, or digital bridge, and the functionality seems to vary between the specific products that fall into the streamer category.

I have been enjoying my new Eversolo DMP-A6 as a streamer (USB out to my Benchmark DAC3).

Excellent value.

Don't spend more until you have heard this unit!

I've sold my Sonore Optical Rendu, Ultra Digital, and linear power supply. After two months of comparing the Sonore setup with the Wiim Pro.

The Wiim sounds better and the functionality is light years ahead of Sonore.