Streamer Options Needed
This question is a spinoff from this previous post: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgrade-from-martin-logan-sequel-ii-s-to
Since I decided to double my speaker budget, I will have to wait later in the year or perhaps 2026 for that purchase.
With that said, based on the comments from the previous post I am now looking at a streamer.
As stated before, I’m using a 2018 MacMini to stream Qobuz and passing it to the McIntosh C49’s built In DAC (for now at least). Streamer options to consider are: I do not, nor will I have digital music files stored anywhere so I do not need that option. I do not own or want to use a Tablet. I am a Boomer so I would like to steer away of phone apps.
Ideally I would love the MacMini to control the Qobuz connected streamer that is connected to the C49 DAC.
Just for starters I played with a WiiM Ultra using the Mac OS Beta App. Not too bad, the Mac App controls the WiiM’s music library functions and most settings but not Qobuz. The phone app pretty much uses Qobuz and directs the stream to the WiiM then to the C49 DAC.
I would like to keep the cost under 3K.
Also, If they’re any suggestions on how to make the MacMini sound a bit better I will take those as well. Currently using BitPerfect. Are they any other programs that work similar to BitPerfect they bypass the Computers Audio Engine.
Sorry for the long winded post. So much knowledge to gain.
Suggestions please!!!!
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/ |
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 |
