Music streamer with no DAC and no storage?


I have an all digital Kii Three audio system (active speakers with DACS and amps) controlled by the Kii Controller fed by a KS Realization USB cable from my Mac PowerBook, with Shunyata Denali and Alpha power cords feeding the speakers.  I am looking for a top-notch streamer without a DAC (already built in to my speakers) and with no storage needed (I only stream from h-res streaming services in 24/44 - 24/192).  I would like to play the streaming services without my Mac computer, but don't need all the functions currently offered in the current all-purpose streamers.  Any ideas?   
chetstern

Showing 1 response by audioengr

Top notch streamer without a DAC is simply a renderer like the Interchange:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=156409.0

The Interchange interfaces with Ethernet and delivers data with 10psec of jitter at the end of a 4 foot S/PDIF cable, lower than any other server you will buy. Not for USB.

I use Interchange with my Mac Mini and Linn Kinsky/Minimserver, all freeware. The SQ from this far exceeds Roon. You will need to use Linn Kazoo for streaming low-res from the web. Hi-res is from local storage only. You can also use Jriver, but SQ not as good as Kinsky.

For optimizations, do these things:

1) AQVOX switch

2) 2 Wireworld Platinum Ethernet cables, 0.5m and 2.0m

3) EMO EN-70e isolator between the two Ethernet cables, 0.5m cable at the AQVOX

It is critical that you connect it as described for best SQ.

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If you must use USB, then get a USB converter like the Berkeley and this reclocker:

https://sotm-usa.com/collections/sotm-ultra/products/copy-of-tx-usbultra-regenerator-1

You will also need a good USB cable, like the Wireworld Platinum.

If you want to eliminate your Mac, then maybe the Antipodes servers or Aurender N10.  You wanted the best.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio