Looking for suggestions for a network capable DAC/Streamer


In my other systems, I am currently using a PS Audio DSD for playing music from a NAS using JRiver on various laptops and desktops to control. I also stream from IHeart/ Classic FM and several others either directly or through Magnum Dynalabs Internet tuners. My problem is my system at work.

I use a desktop that I currently transmit wirelessly from the CPU through either Creative Wireless,  Audioengine W3 or I had been trying to get a bluetooth to work with no success thus far.

My thought it is to something along the line of the PSA DSD and run my music across our network to my work stereo on the other side of the office. As it is a work unit, I am trying to keep the outlay under 1k for the solution. So another PSA DSD even in the used market is more than I am willing to go.....so what else is out there that I should be looking at? I prefer a hardwire solution as I am a distance from out WiFi router and have a switch in my office so running a cable through the ceiling would be a 10 minute operation.

Office system is currently a back-up amp (Perreaux 3150) currently replacing a bedini 100/100 waiting to be repaired (still looking for a Tech) currently a Quicksilver Pre (soon to be replaced with an ARC 17se) with Shahinian Arc's speakers.

I have been looking to see if I could pick up a PSA Perfectwave DAC with the Bridge II card, but all the ones I have seen have also been nearly double my budget. really like the SQ from the DSD but not enuf to make the jump considering its use.

HELP

SteveA
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Showing 4 responses by stevea11757

Update-
Having continued to research I have come across a  Cambridge Audio CXN Network Streamer that looks like it checks all the boxes. Anyone have any experience with their products or this one in particular? Also was looking at a Logitech Transport (now discontinued) but a guy on eBay has a load of the new SE models he is apparently selling off at the 450 ballpark. The Cambridge is here at 600 but looking for offers.
Currently everything runs thru my CPU, and I would prefer to get it out of the loop hence the need for the network streamer which I assume would also be capable of streaming directly from the net. For background noise I stream from stations directly, thru Spotify and Iheart radio. JRiver is also capable of streaming now.

Was just looking at the Marantz ND8006 which while over my stated budget also has a CD player (a small plus as I do not have a lot of CD in the office) which I could take a first listen to CD's as I have them shipped,  to my work location. It is suppose to be a capable internet streamer, has a decent dac and has good pretty good reviews AND there are none I could find on the used market which is always a good sign. It checks a lot of boxes and seems to do it fairly well.

Just don't know if either will be fully compatible with JRiver, which is very important as I use a 1T ss drive to play from during the day.

Again, this is for a work system with little critical listening, that is reserved for my main system...
Taking a hard look at all the recommendations as I know I am asking a lot out of a single box. The Marantz not doing SACD is not a deal breaker as I have two other SACD units on home system. The ability to even play a cd out of the single box I considered a major plus. It is just for music while at work and as the entire system are units that have been replaced during years of upgrades I am not expecting to be blown away by the SQ. Decent, non fatiguing SQ with no major shortcomings is all I am looking for. It will only be used for the next 2 or 3 years and then end up as a garage/basement system.

Johnspain, that x45 looks like something that should be in a main system, not one in a third system and it is just a little outside of my budget...

The search continues...
rbstehno1

I have been looking but not much (if anything) out there. Yes I have a DSD Sr in each of systems at home, as I am used to their abilities that would be a good way out, if they were around. But still looking.

Mahler123,

Looking to stream thru JRiver across the network as I have a SS drive with music on it, as well as the ability to stream internet radio as there are several stations I listen to often when I can't be bothered to keep picking albums to play, and yes I have several playlists I could use, but even that can get tired after awhile. Ability to run a CD thru the unit is a plus as I do not have a CD player in the office and SACD does not really matter, as you said, most of the time the volume is lowish and is basically background SQ can be sacrificed somewhat as long as it does not become annoying.

Have been working from the office since the beginning of the pandemic with no lapse. I do several 14 hour days on a fairly regular basis and after normal hours I am able to turn up the volume somewhat (I still have underlings I have to consider). I have found that with a lot of classical I am able to concentrate better and stay more relaxed working with spreadsheets and letter writing. 

The wireless streaming had been working fairly well until recently but the SQ has recently fallen off and the HF have become fairly annoying so I have been keeping volume lower than normal. Pre was recently retubed (3-4 months ago) and had been running the same tubes since purchased. I wanted to got this squared away before I bring in my ARC 17se otherwise no reason to do that and I would just sell off the ARC

Hope this helps explain the situation a little better

SA