I’d consider an Innuos Zen Mk3. It’s an excellent streamer, but it’s also got its own CD drive and internal storage so you can load all your discs into it, ditch the transport altogether, and have access to all your music in any order or playlist you wish along with the entire world of streamed music. Also, I’d very highly recommend getting Qobuz for higher-quality streaming — I’m a Prime member but wouldn’t use Amazon HD as the quality is just not there, at least not yet. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
Streamer upgrade
I need recommendations for a new streamer that will replace my Sonos Connect. The rest of the system, developed largely from AG recommendations, consists of Fritz speakers, driven by a Primaluna EVO100 integrated. Sources are a Clearaudio Concept table and Cambridge Audio CD transport through a Schitt Bifrost (also handling DAC duties for the Sonos). I'm using Amazon HD as a streaming source right now. This system doesn't need to integrate with my other Sonos speakers. It's my intention that this be an end-game system, so I'm looking for a streamer that's appropriate to its level rather than something that's going to lead me down the path of perpetually upgrading other components. Price is a secondary concern, used gear is fine.
Thanks for any advice - truly appreciated, and I'm grateful for all of the forum help I've received in the past.
Thanks for any advice - truly appreciated, and I'm grateful for all of the forum help I've received in the past.
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After owning a number of streamers I converged on Aurender. They have complete lines with and without CD. I highly recommend I have there N100 and flagship W20se. They are of outstanding quality and build. Built to last a lifetime. They understand how to do power supply for no noise and an astonishing level of detail, natural sound and dead quiet background. |
OP -- about a year ago, I subscribed to Amazon HD, Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify and compared the SQ using the same equipment for several weeks. Now mind you, this was a rather unscientific comparison in the sense that it was based primarily on listening at different times of the day. I did not take measurements or even detailed notes. Having said that, my preference is ... Qobuz > Tidal and Amazon HD > Spotify Qobuz by far sounds the best in my system. I find it to be just a tad bit smoother compared to Tidal or Amazon. It's a toss up between Tidal and Amazon. |
+1 on the Qobuz. I been through Spotify,Deezer ...Settled in a qobuz now and been here for over a year. Been through Sonos as well. Here is what I would explore along with all the other "Myriad" options. Small Green Computer hosting a Roon Server on an Sonictransport i5. Then microRendu via a LAN connection. Then USB to your Bitfrost. $1k for the i5$400 for the Rendu$140/year for Roon or $700 for liftime license. Upgrade the Bitfrost to up the game. Note. Roon will see that old Sonos as and endpoint. I put mine in the garage and added a cheap amp off Craigslist and some on sale polk audios book shelfs. Note2: if you want to go whole hog use the Optical Rendu endpoint. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHrNTi5hPwc |
+1 on opticalRendu I have been using one for more than a year in my main system and find it to be a substantial improvement compared to Node 2i in my office system. Its calling card is a much lowered noise floor. But if cost is not an issue, also consider Lumin U1, Aurender N10, Sonore Signature Rendu SE, or Wolf Audio Luna R. I'm leaning heavily in the direction of Luna R Digital if and when funds become available. |
I started with a microrendu and then made my way up to the top of line signature renduSE optical. I think it all depends on your budget. I thoroughly enjoyed the microrendu. The more expensive units do add to the sq but you pay for each step. Btw, in regards to the upper models, I thought the optical rendu was very very close to the signature rendu se optical so if you did want to increase your budget I think you can stop at the optical rendu, a true reference level streamer. I also second the small green computer for their I5 Roon core server. High quality and good support. You can add additional sq by using a quality linear ps for the server and rendus. Plus I’ve seen all of these on sale used |
Lumin -- I have had the D2, A-1, X-1 and just purchased a U-1 mini. There is one for any budget but if you can step up the X-1 is definitely reference quality Dac/Streamer. The app is super easy to use. You do not need Roon or JRiver. I know there is a thread devoted to the Lumin X-1. You should read it. |
" It’s my intention that this be an end-game system, so I’m looking for a streamer that’s appropriate to its level rather than something that’s going to lead me down the path of perpetually upgrading other components" So one box ? streamer/dac/managment software? I am still riding the separate/tinker bus. I like the flexibility of being able to upgraded or change each stage. There is so much good stuff to be had out on the used market. Giant audio flea market at you finger tips. Cuts both ways as I did sell a pair of speakers I wish i had back now :( You kinda already taken the first step by stepping out of the Sonos connect and adding the Bitfrost. |
+1 on the Aurender I'm using an Aurender N100H with a Benchmark DAC 2 HGC and as a streamer it beats the pants off the Bluesound Node 2i it replaced. Aurender doesn't support Amazon HD but it does work with Qobuz and Tidal. Aurender also does over the air software updates and doesn't revamp models all the time so it's something you can theoretically have for a long time. They offer units with and without DACs depending on what you want but I would say even the entry level Aurender streamer will outclass your current Bifrost DAC so that's something to consider. |