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

Why do you never read about Streamer A vs Streamer B ? Cause noboby

can hear a difference.

this is overly simplistic, and incorrect

different streamers sound different because they manage noise, clocking, power supply, and physical isolation differently - the sonic difference can be quite noticeable to quite subtle to insignificant... depending on the network, cabling, and of course the quality of system downstream to resolve those differences

I know the Vault is not an option but just in case I wanted to share that I have two Vaults over 5 years and both failed, the first was replaced the second not. It failed during an upgrade, but since out of warranty all they offered was a reconditioned older unit at half the retail.

I wonder how I can still have hifi equipment from the 1980s that works fine and a reputable manufacturer such as Bluesound seems to be OK with some of their equipment failing within 3 years.

 

not to throw another streamer (there are many) but you can consider Lumin U1 or the new U2 Mini streamer/transport

 

 

@tahsin1022 +1 on Lumin U1 or U2 but they are not wireless as the OP asked for, I think the OP should reconsider and try to figure out a wired connection otherwise he is not going to be able to optimize for ultimate SQ.

I use a Lindemann Limetree Bridge.  It is excellent. Solid as a rock, very good sound quality. Outputs are Coax/ Toslink only. It drives a Denafrips Ares 2 then Tube Hybrid Vincent pre/ power amps.