Streamer Options Needed

I wouldn’t waste funds on making mac mini better as a streamer. Also, with any dedicated streamer you will be using an app to control it. Tablet, i.e. iPad is great for this. 
At around $3,000 a used Lumin U2 or Aurender N150 or N200 (closer to $4,000 used) will be nice. 

I'm in the same search. I heard Auralic aries G2.1 in two house, is very good, I was AB testing to Oppo Cd player and sounded better, tighter stronger bass with blacker background. Used $2500 I think, or Aries S1 should be good. Another I think is very good Volumio Rivo + ,$1500 I like it and consider buying because of 3 things:

1. Pro's in streaming , they created Rasberry Pi and many happy campers, not this new streamer processor I think is made by Cardas if Im not mistaken.

2. No screen, but have hdmi video , so I can put small tv and see songs maybe even watch video files? 

3. 5v power supply, and they sell for $500 better one, but you can get even better one from very good brands and that will change the sound big, because think about Auralic Aries S1, additional power supply extra $1000 and sounds better, sames as Auralic G1 vs G2 most of uprade power supply, Aurender cheaper vs expensive model most in power supply upgrades, streamer card is the same, but those more expensive models they have lower jitter so better DDC which you can get separate if you want to add on, but the streaming processor maybe is the key here. Good luck searching! 

Agree to not waste $$$ upgrading the Mac.  I’d recommend the Innuos Pulse Mini for $1449, and now or later add an external linear power supply from LHY, SBooster, or Teddy Pardo (around $400) for a significant performance boost and you’ll have an excellent sounding streamer for about $2k.  The bonus is it comes with their Sense app that’s widely regarded as the most user friendly out there, and some have even left Roon it’s so good — this is not a small consideration if ease of use is important to you.  Innuos also offers excellent customer support if you hit a snag and is again not a small consideration.  Also, just buy a tablet and download the Qobuz app (see link below).  It’s not hard or expensive, and just have someone help you if need be — it literally takes like 5 minutes and well worth the effort as it will improve your quality of life significantly.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

https://www.dedicatedaudio.com/products/pulsemini-streaming-network-player-by-innuos

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-iPad-11-inch-Display-All-Day/dp/B0DZ75TN5F

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650233532-aurender-n200-high-performance-serverstreamer/

Here is one, buy this and be done.

I was close to buying a HiFi Rose RS250 streamer that was on sale for $1300 from a HiFi store as a demo unit.  I ended up buying the Wiim Ultra which works great using Roon from my Mac mini. I bought a USB to optical converter made by SMSL to connect the Mac Mini out to optical in in the Wiim.  Using coaxial out to my DAC and can play all of my digital files and Qobuz through Roon.  

On the other hand the HiFi Rose has a much larger and high resolution screen, and includes a 4K video network streamer…even plays YouTube.  Someone purchased that one yesterday.  It retails for $2700

I recently bought an Atoll MS120 streamer. I run it through my McIntosh MX122 AV processor/preamp. I love it!

It has a screen and full function remote control standard. But I bought a $75 generic tablet that I use as a touch screen remote to run Qobuz trough the Atoll app. Works terrifically.  $1600. 

Aurender N200 is a great unit.    I would also recommend the Innuos because for the money it's is hard to beat.  

One relatively cheap alternative is the Teradak linear power supply for mac mini. You've already done good thing with the OS mod, lps for mini is the other major improvement for sound quality with the mini. A mini with modded OS and lps is something relatively few have experienced, I'd take it over the cheaper over the counter alternatives. 

Innuos just updated their line and introduced a new transport.  The Innuos Stream1 is about $3k.  I would take a hard look at that one.  If you prefer a more smooth and "tuby" presentation check out the Aurender N150.

You will be able to drive either of those directly with the Qobuz app.  Good luck and cheers. 

For your use case, I’d recommend the Volumio Motivo at just under $2k.  Has its own built in tablet-like screen.  Really good app.  Also has a DAC that will likely outperform yours, but you can experiment with that.

Don't waste any time or money getting the Mini to sound better. The cost is not worth the benefit, plus it's also getting old enough to need a replacement. 10 years is about the limit on a Mac, it will no longer get any updates. 

Hate to break it to you, but I cannot think of any streamer that does not use a Phone/tablet app. It's just the way it is. A streamer is just a packaged computer.

You have a good DAC, think you can get away with a lower tier streamer, just connect it to your DAC. Really, just get the one that you feel most comfortable with the software/app. Would suggest you stay away from Rose, and Roon. 

I forgot to mention…if you’re not willing to try a nicely laid out user interface on a tablet and want to make your user experience as frustrating as possible by sitting in front of a computer to control what you’re listening to, Bryston makes a very nice streamer BDP-3 that uses a hideous web based UI called Manic Moose. That streamer is also bundled with Bryston BDA-3.14 DAC and with that you can kill all 3 birds with one stone - get a great sounding streamer, DAC and one of the worst user interfaces on the market today

here it is for $2,250

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbecf5-bryston-bda-3-14-da-converters?refsource=hifishark

I am wondering, were you able to do an upgrade on your speakers?
if you can’t wait get this

https://innuos.com/pulse/
if you want to wait a minute, then this

https://innuos.com/stream1/
Looks like you have some nice equipment don’t cheap out on the streamer. 

Aurender offers outstanding sound quality and the Conductor App which runs on phones, iPads, and MacPro... I guess a MacMini as well. I have two Aurender after trying Aurlic, Grimm, BlueSound, and Linn and some other streamers. Audiophile quality in sound and construction. Whether N200, N250, N20, or N30. 

Your investment level should be roughly the same or more than the DAC, or the Preamp, or that amp. Streamers make a big difference and get better the higher the tier. 

@lanx0003 I believe the N200 uses a TCXO clock. For sure it doesn't have an OCXO clock. It would be best suited for USB use IMHO. Just make sure your DAC has at least a TCXO or better. 

There’s an Innuos Zen Mk3 available for $1650, which is a great price and you should jump on it because it won’t last long.  It also has a CD drive so you can load any CDs into it if you want so all your digital music is in one place, but regardless it’s an excellent streamer with their great Sense app.  You would need to run it with a phone or tablet although I suppose it might work with a computer too.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650228329-innuos-zen-mk3-2tb/

The Following has been used in another recent Thread about Streamer Options.

I know of this model being in use, by a individual with years of Digital Sources used, they have been profoundly impressed with this model.

As the used item price seen, there is a lot of VFM, I encourage a investigation to learn what is on offer.

"  Hoo Rah Now Seen 25% Cheaper than retail, for a US Customer what a opportunity, a $K left to play with, maybe audio, or a few day of R&R with a Spouse or Partner?.

The used Market is such a fun place, it certainly helps some to realize their aspirations and leave the coffer with coin.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650220466-teac-ud-701n-network-music-streamerstereo-preamp/   "

Lumin makes good stuff and more affordable than Aurender, for a still cheaper option get a blusound node icon for $1K, the remote is extra $90 but well made and comprehensive.

Lumin, Silent Angel.

WOW Everybody, Thank you very, very much!!! I am really impressed with the feedback. Please keep it coming. I have much research to do the next few days. 1 Question for "woots".

What model Silent Angel do you suggest?

Question for the group: What interface from the Streamer to the DAC?

USB, Digital Coax, Toslink? My current DAC won't support I2S. The DAC upgrade might be next after the Speaker Upgrade I spoke about a few weeks ago.

What interface from the Streamer to the DAC?  USB, Digital Coax, Toslink? My current DAC won't support I2S.

That’s a good question, and the answer is it depends.  Often times the designer of a DAC has one preferred input so it’s best to check with them. 

Take a look at the PS Audio AirLens @$1999. It is an excellent dedicated streamer. Its major limitations are no screen and limited inputs and outputs. Sound quality is excellent. 

My InnuOs Pulse has a aes/ebu out to the the Anthem STR Preamplifier/DAC and I am very happy 

If you like the sound of the WiiM , You can get an Amazon Echo and control it by voice, does away with the phone, tablet, remote. It makes controlling a lot easier. Like you, I didn’t want to deal with the phone to control my streaming.