2. digital
  3. 177849-10803

Point of diminishing returns for a Network Streamers?

You have super cheap Pi streamers (build yourself), $399 IfI Zen, $500 Bluesound Node (no DSD), $700+ Pro-Ject Stream box, then $1k -$2k for Lumins, and others.

I'm running an old iMac as my Roon Core and running a super long, active USB cable to my Dac. I probably do not have to pay much for any improvement since my setup is not ideal. 

I'm really fascinated by the Pro-Ject stream box...however...would it be a major improvement over the IFI Zen? I need DSD so the NODE is out of the question .

I could save and go with the new Lumin U2 mini, however....would it be a huge jump over the Pro-Ject?

aberyclark

Showing 1 response by christianb5s4

christianb5s4
238 posts
 

I wanted to chime in as I studied this and other threads before upgrading my digital front end recently. My former streamer was the BlueSound Node130 with upgraded power supply, quality cabling, and was hardwired to ethernet. The BlueSound was going into a Denafrips Terminator Plus via coax.

 

After a ton of research, I found a member selling a Lumin U1 and decided to take the plunge. The rest of setup hasn't changed besides the Lumin, first feeding the DAC via coax and after appreciating the improvement. switched to AES. The difference was not subtle in terms of improvement versus the Node. 

 

Biggest change by far is the improvement in low and mid-range response, the bass is much more full and the mid-range filled in much more so with the Lumin. Other improvements are what fellow members noted like better detail, blacker background, better separation of instruments and layering, and the soundstage was improved.

 

So even if you have a good DAC and other gear, a streamer definitely brings big improvement at least for me.

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