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Streamer upgrade advice.

Hello to The Gon Community,

I've come to the point there my digital front end is the weak link in my system. Some years ago, I jumped into streaming with a Cambridge CXN (V1). I think it's still "fine" in as much as it's delivering music that is pleasing to the ears. But, having upgraded the rest of my system over the years, and recognizing that streaming is a different game compared to 2018 or whatever when I got the CXN, it feels like time to "move up in the world". The problem, of course, is the massive number of options out there. Here are a few points I am considering;

1) I am a Mac user and so have always imported digital files using the Apple Lossless codec.

2) My only streaming service is Apple Music and I don't intend to make a change there. I've got plenty of files locally. Paying for Roon or something like that is not in the cards.

3) I don't particularly care about a screen on a streamer. I sit far enough away from my hardware and my eyes are old enough that no component-sized screen is going to be useful.

4) I do like a streamer with some sort of remote app for control from my iPhone.

So, that's where I am. Budget is somewhere in the "up to $2k" range and I don't mind buying used. I'd have already moved to a PS Audio Airlens except that those don't seem to play nice with Apple (only ethernet in and no Airplay compatibility).

Any thoughts appreciated. Remainder of system listed below.

DAC: PS Audio DS Jr

Pre: PS Audio Stellar Gold / Luxman CL-38uC

Amp: PS Audio M700 / Luxman L-550ax2

Speakers: Tocaro Model 40e + REL T-Zero Subs * 2 

gre_chan
gramophone_canada
65 posts
 

Have a look at the streamers and streamer/DAC from Lindemann of Germany. You can also add a USB drive to the back of these devices and play locally stored music files. Also, the Volumio devices from Italy are very well respected. Both brands make a streamer without DAC or streamer with DAC.

whyrichard
33 posts
 

I was stubbornly attached to Apple Music airplay etc etc. I gave up when I tried qubuz with roon. It works the way it should…. Now my digital stream is sublime. 
 

sadly, Apple just isn’t serving hifi very well at all, despite their lossless catalogue. 
 

r

buffmidfi
1 posts
 

Like others have said, moving on from Apple to Qobuz or Tidal will open up more hardware options for consideration, and you may find the quality from either of those two superior to AM.
If you are sticking with Apple, consider an Eversolo DMP-A8 ($1,980). Plays AM natively so you get the full high-res playback, and it has onboard storage, up to 4TB (additional cost), to store your purchased music. 
I have the original A6 and plan to upgrade the power supply to LPS. I feed that via USB into a Denafrips Ares 12th. I have 2TB of onboard storage and connect a CD player to the second USB port for playback and ripping to the HD. 
There are lots of features and functionality, even when "only" using it as a transport. Add to your audition list.

mike4597
153 posts
 

I, too, am. Dedicated Mac user, since January1985 while stationed with the Army in Europe.  However, I recently added TIDAL to my system, still through an iPad Pro.  A comparison of the same songs between the two services was simply stunning, with far better imaging nd somewhat better tonal qualities immediately evident.  So, I have an Innuous Stream 1 with added reclocker on order.  Given the quality of your system, I believe the addition of a better streamer will make a significant difference but also that switching to TIDAL—its monthly fee is modest—will also make a huge difference.  Once you get your new streamer, check out Tidal and Qobuz via their free trials.  I was “sold” in less than an hour.  Wishing you great music!

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