Need recommendations for a streamer


I would like to upgrade from a Bluesound Node to a higher quality streamer.

 

The Node sounds fine with my current system, but I am making a second system for my wife, and the Node is going to that new system. I thought I would take the opportunity to upgrade my streamer at this time.

 

My criteria are that it be a streamer only (no DAC/storage/CD player, etc), be able to hook into wi-fi/cloud without a physical wire/connection, have balanced outputs to go to my DAC, and cost less than 2,500 USD. Can anybody think of a streamer that fits this bill?

 

The rest of my system:

DAC: Terminator II

Preamp: Schiit Freya+

Amps: PS Audio M1200 x 2

Speakers: Thiel CS 2.3

 

Thanks.

cowhorn

Showing 4 responses by arafiq

Another great option is Innuos Zen MK3. It doesn't support wireless, but as audphile1 mentioned, there are ways around it. I also have a Terminator II and it is paired with Innuos Zen's bigger brother -- Innuos Zenith MK3. I love this combo!

I don't understand what OP means by 'balanced output' into a DAC. Also, why are you excluding streamers with good DACs? You can always bypass it if need be.

If the OP can loosen some of the requirements, Hifi Rose RS250 is a good option that has built-in wifi. There are a number of folks on audiogon who have purchased this streamer and are quite happy with the performance. However, it does have a built-in DAC.

Thanks, @ghasley . I didn't realize that AES/EBU is a balanced design. I always thought that although you can use an XLR cable but it's not truly balanced.

If source is not gonna be combined DAC, don’t waste your money with more expensive servers, at the end all sends 0 and 1s to DAC.

Haha! I was waiting for the '0s and 1s' argument to show up. Applying the same logic, why invest in a nice DAC or DDCs. It's all 0s and 1s after all, right?