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

Plus one for Volumio products.  Look into the Rivo Plus with an external linear power supply from Teddy Pardo or similar (Volumio is not shipping their Lineo5 PS to the US currently - likely a victim of tarriffs).  At about two grand, very good performance per $ ratio.  All connections out including i2S except curiously toslink.

kn

Take a look at the Hifi Rose RS250.  Great quality and sound within your budget.

@arstereo 

Good budget piece. I have one, I use for burning in equipment. You get what you pay for if matching the rest of your equipment. I have an Aurrender N100 with my Ayre QB-9 DAC for my headphone system... much better than my Node and a Aurender W20SE ($22K) with my main system... it sounds appropriately better than the Aurender N20, N200 and N100.