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.
"wi-fi/cloud without a physical wire/connection" Please don’t waste your money on a Aurender or any other high $$$ streamer if you cannot use a wired ethernet connection with a Wi-Fi extender powered by linear power supply. And if you’re not using ROON, you are going to miss the already excellent BLUOS app with so many cloud based streaming options. |
Thank you both for your posts. After hearing the improvements from a high quality Ethernet switch and filters, I no longer consider these devices as accessories. Ethernet switch with LPS (if needed), noise filter and LAN cables are must have components for any high resolution digital streaming system. |
“For the best result, it sounds like I need to figure out a way to hardwire (I think that’s the correct term) the streamer to my modem.” That’s correct. Especially if you’re going to drop $$$$ on a high end streamer like Aries G2. Don’t get discouraged, it’s doable with a mesh network extenders. Just go to Amazon and search for 2-Pack which includes 1 Router (hardwired to your modem) & 1 Satellite (hardwired to your streamer). This would be a first step to high quality streaming. Even your Node will improve with wired network. |
“Does a Mac Mini sound better than a Dell? Does a Dell sound better than a HP? They are all streamers so lots of possible comparisons. ” You got this wrong bud! They all are consumer grade computers not designed and optimized for streaming audio. You get streaming functionality but they sound nothing like a dedicated streamer, not even remotely close. |
