Streamers rabbit hole

Hi , I’m at the Mid Fi level, but could you give some additional info? Do you have a DAC, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, file storage wanted , price point ? As I’ve worked my way from an old laptop to laptop/DAC to dedicated streamer and my 3rd DAC trying multiple cables, everything makes a difference. There is a lot to learn and I’m now working to understand my network that feeds my steamer. The others on this site are very knowledgeable and once you provide more specifics will be able to give you some excellent direction. Happy Hunting, Mike B. 

I have tried the Eversolo A-8, Aurender A1000, and Cambridge EXM100. All of these have their internal DAC.  Don't want to have a separate DAC.  I have a $5K budget.  I don't need much storage since normally I just listen to what is playing in in Quboz or Tidal.  

I’ve found the best way to choose first is figure out which features you need.  For example, USB only, or SPDIF, or AES outputs?  Some DACs may sound best through their AES input, or not have USB.  Then things like software - do you want to use Roon or some other software you already have, or don’t care?  If you are open to use the proprietary software on the streamer (e.g., aurender conductor, that from lumin, or Innuous, Eversolo, hifi rose, etc.) do some research to see which work well.  Need DSD native?  Some do it some may not.  Do you want a streamer only or a streamer/DAC?  
 

This way you get the features you need.  You don’t want to get something then need to move on to something else because it doesn’t do something you wanted it to do, or does it poorly.  Sound quality is important but I would argue these other considerations take precedent.  There are many really good streamers that just do USB (like Sonore and small green computer products) that are relatively inexpensive, have excellent sound quality, but otherwise are bulletproof, easy to use, have every possible software available on them and always work.  Newer streamers may have better USB implementations.  It really is head-spinning, as you say.  
 

if you’re looking for an all in one product, synergy becomes important.  For example, something like an Aurender a1000 might go well if your system is a little bright, but if you have a mellow system an Eversolo might be a good bet.  Check your budget and look at YouTube videos for ‘shootouts’ between competing products in your budget.  These videos will often bring up considerations (like those I outlined above) you may not have thought of.  

I had an STR Preamp for quite a while. I used the Auralic Aries G1 with it happily. It’s a high quality, reliable streamer without a DAC. At this point, you would have to buy one on the used market.

What software do you intend to use? I use Roon, and the Auralic is Roon Ready. It works with most everything, including their own Lightning DS, which runs on an iPad.

I was writing my post above while you posted your next one saying you do not have  an external DAC.  Did you prefer any of those three options you tried?

Off the top of my head I would definitely recommend the Aurender A1000. But you have already auditioned that. You did not like it? What of the others?

If none of these are standing out, then perhaps your amp or setup is not up to differentiating the difference? Some more information on your system and what you listen to. 

It would be great if you'd take some photos and create a virtual system. If you are not hearing differences in what you have tried, perhaps we can help with setup. 

Innuos had the Stream 1 and gives you Modular options for internal DAC's and oututs.  Their Sense app sounds great.  It is within your budget.

thank you all for all the comments.  I'm still a newbie.  I think Jimmy2615's comments are right on.  I want a stremer/Dac unit to pair with the STR amp i have.  Looking for a unit with XLR connections, easy to sue front display, and good quality sound.  I will not be connecting by WIFI.

Per my research HIFI Rose 151 seems to have all the hardware i need but now sure if the sound quality is there.  

I have the HiFi Rose RS130. The product is just a streamer with no DAC. I also have a Bluesound Node X which is considerably cheaper. The HiFi Rose sounds better, but the OS and user interface with the Bluesound is much better. I also use Roon with the HiFi Rose which makes it exceptional. The display on the RS130 is very beautiful. 

People have been impressed with the Bluesound Icon.  The consensus is that it's a very strong value proposition.  Ticks all your boxes and has XLR out.  Down the road, you can add an even better DAC and still use the Icon as a transport.  Good luck.

rick-n

I agree with him. Although there are a few more companies (mentioned) making very good equipment. Aurender, Innuos, etc. For me Bluesound makes the most practical sense and they have been supporting their products and refining their gear every since they released the original Node.

Look at Wiim. I use it with an external DAC ( MHDT) and the sw interface is easy to use.  They make a variety of models.

I find that my Anthem STR has paired very well with InnuOs. 
https://innuos.com/stream-series/
have some pretty good magic going on up in here!

The need for a small 3 inch screen to look at across the room pales in comparison to getting a 12 inch tablet and prop it up for album cover art. Plus it’ll also double as your remote, along with a phone if you so wished. as long as you have a tablet or phone that can get updates you’re good to go. 

Bluesound Node ICON makes the most sense with your current system and avoid the rabbit hole. Their APP is better than anything coming from China. Keep in mind, there is a learning curve with streaming, no matter which device you end up going. @gkelly already pointed out, get a iPad, start streaming and allow yourself to get acclimated with ins and outs of fantastic BluOS APP.  

I’m not familiar with Hifi Rose but have read good feedback from owners, and the RS151 looks to offer everything you’re looking for if the sound quality is there (didn’t see any what I’d consider reputable reviews after a quick search).  I’d look at the functionality of their app and whatever customer support they offer as those things are important for longer-term satisfaction.  I’ll also mention the new Eversolo A10 with the caveat that I’m not confident in their customer support that could be very important.  That said, from a features, sound, and value proposition it seems to be all there, and here’s a review from a reputable reviewer that may be helpful…

https://soundnews.net/reviews/sources/eversolo-dmp-a10-review-feature-rich-great-sounding-and-incredibly-beautiful/

Frankly, if sound quality is paramount I’d forgo the combo unit and video screens and go with separates, but that’s me.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

  Although it’s over your budget the Bricasti M3 with added network card meets your needs and has great reviews. Maybe a used one ? Terry London reviewed it a few years back in great detail. After giving it some thought plus what you’ve auditioned, I think you’ll be hard pressed to stay at $5K. What I’ve found excluding a DAC you’re at $3k for a streamer with a good power supply and $6k for the same with an upgraded clock. Cheers , Mike B. 

I have owned the following streamers: Bluesound Node2i and Node, Wiim Pro, Innuos ZenMini MK3, Eversolo DMP-A6 ME (with added LPS) and currently a HiFi Rose RS 130 (streamer only--no DAC).  The HiFi Rose RS130 cost significantly more than all the others and I was really wondering beforehand if the cost would be worth it.  I was quite pleasantly surprised at how much better it sounded than all the others I had owned.  I honestly did not think there was much room for upside improvement, but there was.  The other features it has--RoseTube, the incredible screen, etc--are awesome as well.  The user interface is not the best I've used (with those honors going to the Innuos Sense app), but it is OK.  I bought mine at Music Direct and they were great to deal with and even negotiated a little on the price, which was great!  Good luck on your search!

I agree with others that it makes sense to go with the Bluesound Node ICON. You would have the advantage of using the ICON's XLR output to your Anthem's XLR input. The ICON is said to sound best using the XLR ouputs. 

When I take the streaming plunge in the near future I feel that while the Hi-Fi Rose, Aurender and others have minor advantages - including better sound quality - the experience is within the application that you will be using. And what sound quality you may gain, it will come at a fair higher cost.

While my wife listens/plays music on the tuner, she does not touch the vinyl and only occasionally clicks on songs on my dedicated jukebox computer. Having the music on a handheld will allow her to control and select at will without having to get near my gear! We can all appreciate that, right!?

I did just notice that the ICON went up in price about $100 (this week) on Crutchfield dot com.

I forgot to mention above that I own an Anthem STR Preamp and the Hifi Rose RS130 sounds great with it.

You should try qobuz connect on a Naim Atom HE. It is very good, even as a pre amp with balanced outputs.. punches way above its weight class! Enjoy the music!

I have an STR Preamp and am getting a streamer as well.

As someone that relies on Anthem Room Correction and bass management, I don’t want a unit with a DAC since the Anthem DAC is required to use ARC.

Are you looking for analog XLR inputs from a streamer or as I assume, wanting to use the AES/EBU digital audio input? The STR USB DAC has the highest specifications but I’m sure the AES/EBU input would work and sound great.

My STR Preamp has some differences with the STR Integrated but they are close. I ended up ordering an Innuos Stream1 with the PheonixUSB module. Innuos recommends USB as the best connection but I don’t think I would notice a difference. There is an optional SPDIF board with AES/EBU, Coax and optical outputs.

I liked the option to install my own M.2 SSD. I am going with 4TB but it will support 8TB. Now the wait for delivery that may take awhile.                        

@arstereo - Let me elaborate on (and agree with) what @george_r said. With the STR integrated, there is no value to the DAC in a streamer with DAC, at least if you are using any digital features of the STR. Those include bass management, Anthem Room Correction, and tone controls. To use those, the analog signal from the streamer/DAC will be converted back to digital by the STR’s ADC, then processed and re-converted to analog by the STR's own DAC. In my opinion, it makes more sense to avoid the extra conversions by feeding a digital signal to the STR from a streamer, using SPIDF, AES, or USB connection.

If you are looking at DAC/Streamer all in 1 -https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650189373-aurender-a200-streamer-dac-pre-amp-amazing-in-every-way/

A better way would be to buy a DAC and this -https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650241140-aurender-n200/

For the most part you will be done. 

Consider an Auralic Altair G2.2

https://us.auralic.com/products/altair-g2-2

I own an Altair G1.1 and 2.1 in my vacation home.  Rock solid on WiFi or wired.  I find it considerably better than several Bluesound products, but have not tried an Icon.  It is a streamer and DAC.   G2.1’s and 1.1’s can be found for a deal these days.
 

Anyone compare the Nagra streamer to Aurender?

So the OP wants a 5K streamer (no DAC or storage needed) to go along with his 5K integrated?

Good God, why not sell the Anthem for $3,500 on the used market and use the 5K you have budgeted for the streamer and buy an NAD Masters M33 V2 ($7,200) which will sound far better and have all that you want? And you save money.

A stripped down 5K streamer is, IMHO, a crime against the audiophile community.

Someone correct me if I am wrong. 1, 2, 3...

A week or so ago, people on this forum  said Eversolo had poor customer service, so consider that, as well as who you buy it from.  The Aurender A1000 seems like it has everything you would want at this price, including built-in linear power supplies.  I have my eye on one myself.

Suggest you look into Auralic Vega models.  They seem to fit your needs.  Balanced connections, hard wired networking.  I use Qobuz Connect, but their Lightening AP works okay too.  I have G1 model, but there are step ups.

I'm using a Bluesound Node 2i into a PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1 moded by APS Transformers.  The reason I'm using the Bluesound is for the BluOS operating system.  It supports Amazon HD and Idagio,  which are the two services that I stream.  The Node 2i has been moded with a TeddyPardo LPS; that upgrade made a significant improvement in SQ! The new Node Icon has gotten some really positive reviews, especially for the built-in DAC.  I've thought about switching to the Icon,  but since I use a separate DAC,  I'm not sure it would make a difference in SQ.  My advice is don't discount the value of a good OS.  It makes a huge difference in the function and enjoyment of a streamer. The rest of my system is PS Audio Stellar Gold Preamp,  M700 monoblock amps,  and Legacy Audio Signature SE speakers. 

I think Nagra makes a streamer for about your budget - worth checking out. Your Anthem is excellent, I think you’d have to spend quite a bit more to beat it. I’d focus on features you want and build quality. I’m not one of those that believe streamers can’t possibly affect the sound, but I think the difference, if any, will be subtle. Other smart people will disagree- that’s just my experience 

good luck!

@gkelly Makes a good point about the benefit of a screen vs having to glance down to a tablet or phone or laptop which you will need to select/change tracks or playlists anyway.

Additionally,  there are typically sonic compromises with additional electrical noise a screen brings.  The screen size of the HiFi Rose would worry me about the commensurate noise it will bring.  My SoTM switch allows me to disable the small blinking LED network lights and I hear a difference on some tracks.

@goodlistening64  I can’t speak for the OP but it would be wrong for me. I own the STR Preamp, not the STR Integrated but they are close.

In a multiuse room I rely on Anthem Room Correction. Other room treatments need to take my wife’s passionate hobby, décor, into consideration. I use two subwoofers and want bass management. Home Theater Bypass is a requirement as we have an OLED and AV processor in the same room. My primary 2-channel source is a turntable. Changing out the STR would require adding an MC phono preamp. Space is at a premium since my equipment cabinet does not have a lot of space even with all the amplifiers in a cabinet I built in the crawl space under the family room.

Therefore I would not use the DAC in a streamer and prefer a USB connection to my STR.

@arstereo 

I bought an Aurender N200 demo and have been extremely happy with it.

All the best.

I keep reading that Eversolo has poor customer service, but very few of those comments are from people who actually needed customer service. I have the Eversolo A-10, and previously had the A-8, and the both worked flawlessly with no need for customer service support. I enjoy both the sound and user experience of the A-10, although I have it paired with a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme pre-amp. What did you find lacking in the streamers you auditioned?

I was strteaming through my Anthem MRX 740 and ML ESL 9 speakers - Tidal mostly. Built a dedicated 2 channel system over past couple of months. Speakers still the same, Benchmark AHB2 power amps and Benchmark HPA4 pre-amp.

Decided on Orchard Audio PecanPi+ streamer / DAC ($1,499 new). Extremely happy with it. Support is brilliant too

Another vote for Innuos.  You can choose the one that fits your budget.  Used are available and they hold their value.  Their Sense app is easy to use and the customer service and community are very helpful.  Mine has a CD ripper too which is great if you have CDs you want to keep in the same system.