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Streamer choices and help

I'm trying to decide which direction to go and some informed opinions could help. I've been a long time Sonos user but I want to be able to do more hires.. I currently have a Sonos ZP90 with the W4S/ Cullen re-clocker upgrade. On RBCD it sounds really excellent and I love the Sonos functionality and stability; I currently have three zones and plan on keeping two. 

I recently purchased a new Bluesound node 2i.  I've got about 100 hours of break in / use on it. The modified Sonos sounds a bit better until I switch to hires then the Node edges it out.

I'm using both as streamers feeding a Chord Qutest, which sounds amazing, and will continue to use.

I'm trying to find a single unit that will sound as good as the Sonos and the Node without being stupidly expensive. I was thinking of an Auralic Aries.. but it was discontinued, guess it was too good for too little money?? I also was thinking of the small Aurender but I don't really need a a hard drive and from what I can tell no Wifi which is a deal breaker. 

So any ideas would be helpful, maybe I missed something?
axeis1
12 responses Add your response
mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
Here is an idea. Your Sonos has a reclocker, and you like it. With my previous streamer (Aries femto) and DAC (Classe CP-800), adding a reclocker improved the immediacy of the sound considerably, to my ears. So maybe a reclocker could bring the Node up to what you desire.

Mine is a Mutec MC-3+USB. They occasionally appear on the used market for about US$700 -- cheaper than a high-end streamer.

As to streamers, I’m quite pleased with the Aries G1, though it could be considered rather costly if one doesn't have an older Auralic unit to trade in.
axeis1 OP
291 posts
 
I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a used Aries.. I like the Aurender and the Lumin but neither have Wifi and I haven't a way to get ethernet cable to the location, and I'm not interested in some ethernet Wifi converter. So the Aries should do the trick. Hope :-)
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
501 posts
 
Take a look at the Innous line of streamers.  The reviews overall are excellent.  You’ll likely find one in your price range.  I use a 2TB Zenith MKII into a Mytek Liberty DAC.  Sounds really good, although I do plan to audition it with a Qutest.
dseltz
163 posts
 
Take a look at the Innous line of streamers.  The reviews overall are excellent.  You’ll likely find one in your price range.  I use a 2TB Zenith MKII into a Mytek Liberty DAC.  Sounds really good, although I do plan
to audition it with a Qutest.

Not to steal this thread, but the poster seems to have made a decision.  I just wanted to say I use a Innuos Zen Mini MKII with a linear power supply into a Chord Qutest and the sound is wonderful.  The built in filters can add a little warmth if needed too.  Would love to hear your thoughts after an audition.  I only see me keeping the Qutest and upgrading my Innuos in the future.  I imagine the Zenith must sound awesome
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
501 posts
 
Not to steal this thread, but the poster seems to have made a decision.

Right you are!!  I'll let you know how my auditioning goes.
dseltz
163 posts
 
Please do
Thanks!
veroguy
138 posts
 
I'm very interested in your comparison of the Aries vs the modded Sonos Connect.   I'm in the same boat.
cheche9's avatar
cheche9
43 posts
 
I love my bel canto e one streamer
$1599 sounds amazing, has a nice app to control it and definitely a step up from the streamers u mentioned. If u have any ? Let me know!
timo62
280 posts
 
I have a Innuos Zenith mk3 feeding a Chord Hugo M Scaler / Qutest DAC and really enjoying this combination. 
axeis1 OP
291 posts
 
I bought a used Aries Femto, but It didn’t work out. It was kind of beat up. Then I had to chase the seller around for a bit to get my $$ back. So I bought a Auralic G1..It ticks off all the boxes! Very happy.. Sounds great easy to setup I run it wireless and it’s been rock stable. Unfortunately due to our current butthole in chief Auralic had to raise their prices I think it was Sep or August 1. So If anyone is looking for one and a dealer has one pre price increase snatch it up; or of course if someone is selling used
mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
@Axeis1- I think the Aries G1 is one of the best streamers out there. At least I like mine very much & was unable to distinguish it from the Bricasti M5, which is about the same price but with fewer features (and a little quirkier in DLNA operation). The G1 is better sounding in my system than the Aries femto was -- though I had the latter for years and enjoyed it thoroughly.

It is too bad that Auralic had to raise their prices. As I understand it, they were hit with 25% tariffs, and they put in only a 10% increase, so the trade war can’t be good for them.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jazzman7
347 posts
 
You may wish to consider the use of powerline ethernet adapters as a way of getting a wired connection to all of your streamers.  In my own house, I found that this solution made for better SQ than going the wifi route with my Bluesound Nodes.  Just a suggestion.  YMMV.
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