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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!!!!

chippieboy

Showing 1 response by tackinis13

tackinis13
2 posts
 

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! 

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