2. home-theater
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Streamer upgrade thoughts Please

Hi And thanks for reading this thread.
I have been using a dune smart D1 streamer for a few years.I use the hdmi out connected to a screen for the picture, and i use the stereo analogue outs for the audio.Surprisingly the audio quality is very good.

I have a htpc with an asus stx II soundcard and the dune's analogue outs are not far behind in sound quality, especially considering the stxII is a top end card.For the audio the dune ases an AKM4429et dac, i can see a ax117 ldo regulator near it and also a few other ics that i can't identify rt19018a, el-eb 62p, jz9 83-13.
If i wanted to upgrade the audio to surround sound and keep the good video quality, with the same arrangement ( hdmi for picture and analogue outs for audio ) which streamer would you recommend.

The zidoo x20 pro at £600 seems good but only has stereo analogues.Is there anything you have used or heard anything about.
Thanks!
johnny121
3 responses Add your response
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
The Dune HD Ultra 4K is likely the best device for both video HDMI output and analog audio outpu because of the dual linear power supplies (two R-Core transformers).

I was just looking into this and the Zidoo UHD2000 is likely going to be my choice because it has linear power supply, but also supports streaming from internet providers such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime.  I don't think the Zidoo is as good as the Dune HD Ultra 4K, though.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Hi johnny.  I've been doing further research.  I take back my comment on Zidoo not being as good as Dune.  I think the Zidoo has a much better power supply than the others (such as Dune or Zappiti).  At this point the Zidoo UHD2000 is my vote and I'm seriously considering pickup on one of these in January.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
oh, you know what, I did not catch that you wanted 5.1 analog outputs from the streamer.  I don't think any streamer really does this except for the Oppo bluray players (and possibly some other players).   It also depends if you want internet streaming (such as Netflix, Hulu, etc.).  If you do, then Oppo will not work.  You are probably better off staying with Dune D1 and getting an HT processor for in between the streamer and TV.  Such as a cheap Outlaw 975 which typically goes for $200-300 used or something more expensive.
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