Streamer Options Needed

Try Audiolab 9000 N. 

I am looking for a streamer to replace MacBook for my Audionote Cobra Integrated which comes with a DAC.  I tried WiiM Ultra, Holo Red, Eversolo A6, Eversolo a8 and Cambridge audio A8. The Eversolo A 8 is far superior to the A6 . I liked the Cambridge Audio MXN100 for its natural presentation but did not like its interaction with iPad.  I’m waiting to try Audiolab 9000 N which arrives mid August. Wish I could afford Aurender N 200

I design and manufacture DACs. For long time I was using MACs for testing purposes and compatibility, also for convenience when I needed to be mobile.

Last year I bought a used MAC mini M2 on Amazon. To my surprise M2 sounded much better than any Intel MACs and at the level of 2k servers like Innuos, HiFi Rose, Blue Sound... All the time using Audirvana as player. For me Audirvana is the best sounding player over Roon, Tidal and others. You can buy MAC Mini M2 used on Amazon for $380-400. If you don't like it, you can return it. Audirvana has 1 month free trial. You can use tablet or smart phone as remote for Audirvana. I think it's worth trying. After some listening I kept MAC Mini M2 and even went further and upgraded the power supply with linear, low noise one. To me this is best combination for less than$800 including power supply. Mac Mini M2 + Teradak + Audirvana. If you have more questions please contact me through my website - audiomirror.com

I unfortunately am not very active on the forums.

Vlad

Vlad,

I'm afraid I was a bit too dismissive of modded mini as just a 'passable' streamer in my last post. I experimented with a series of three different mini's over a few years, everything from stock to maximal mods. I had three different Intel, each successively more powerful than previous, I quit minis when the M processors came out and soldered in RAM, seems I may have missed out here. I also found Audirvana best music app for the mini's.

I've been offering up modded mini's as a legitimate contender or perhaps superior choice to lower to mid grade off the shelf streamers for years, very few have experienced a modded mini for themselves so really have no idea. I got the idea for modding mini's vs off the shelf via comparison of tech and parts used in the lower end ots streamers. I think people have the mistaken idea off the shelf streamers are somehow magically transformed from their fundamental computer roots when in fact they're all computers modified and optimized to play music apps. Through mini mods like OS optimization, far more RAM, faster processor, better lps than you'd find in most of these low to mid grade off the shelf modded mini's can be very nice at least mid level streamer. 

I might be wrong. It's just my opinion, but look at architecture of M2 vs Intel. Intel has 4 USB ports. M2 has 2. On intel MACs there is a chip set ( I believe this degrades the sound)which works as a bridge between CPU and USB. On M2 I believe USBs are connected directly to CPU internals. Plus the processing power and much simplified power supply(less noise) and less parts/chips contributing to noise and better sound. I  might be wrong, but that's my feeling. After upgrading power supply on M2 the difference was subtle vs doing same on Intel Macs was very audible. I also have to clarify I am talking about aluminum a little bigger and  flatter MAC mini M2 not the newest square ones. Never tried the square M2s which has only USB C connections.