2. digital
  3. 195185-198276

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
soix
10,359 posts
 

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

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
611 posts
 

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

Here is one, buy this and be done.

aggie88
17 posts
 

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

jfrost27
29 posts
 

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. 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,200 posts
 

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

More to discover