Suggestions for a streamer only (I have a great DAC)

One other note …..

A friend mentioned that he was very impressed with an Innous Zen Mk 3. Any thoughts/experiences with Innuos?

Hey guys,

As always, thanks for all the input! 
I guess providing a little more insight into my system and how I will use the “streamer” would help.

First of all, I have simplified my main system over the past year.  Got rid of a good analog set up (just didn’t use it) and now just have the dCS Puccini DAC & Master Clock connected to Esoteric CD Player (also connected to the Master Clock). I have about 800 CD’s.  Don’t use a server an am VERY COMPUTER ILLITERATE  when it comes to pairing up with computers and audio devices. 
 

I wanted to get a good streamer to experience new music. As mentioned, I think my DAC is good, so I don’t need a streamer with a dac. 
 

ghdprentice … Great choice, but I don’t want to quite invest $22,000 on a top end streamer for something that is not going to be used all the time.

raysmtb1 … could be interested. Send me a message with price & details.

mike -in-nc … dCS ‘used’ to make a network bridge (streamer) but it was discontinued and now tough to find on used market. I have heard of people not liking the Auralic software music management (Lightning?). Do you like it?
 

verdantaudio …. Excellent questions! The only other streamer I had tried a while ago was a Lumin T1. I liked the sound but found the Lumin music management not intuitive and clumsy to use. Roon sounds interesting but I have heard you must pair it to a pc. I have an older desktop pc but don’t want to interact with it at all … everything I do via computer is on my IPAD. 

Hope this helps …. 
David 

Andy,

Truly appreciate the comments.  I looked up the Theoretica (hadn’t heard of it) really sounds interesting. Obviously, a significant investment …. was it a real game changer?
 

I have been looking for a dCS Bridge for a little while, without success. Maybe I need a little more patience 😊.

Thanks again

ghdprentice …. Good question. Perhaps  I haven’t heard a really good streamer? The Lumin T-1 that I listened to for a while just couldn’t match the sound (to my ears) of the Esoteric & clock on red book CD. I used the Lumin via Tidal (non MQA) and while it was good, I found the Esoteric better. 
 

Do you think your Roon set up enhances the sound or maybe something that my system lacks? 
 

Hey Guys,

Thanks so much for all the great advice and suggestions.  I have a wonderful foundation for my search.

I will take the next few weeks to try and acquire many of the recommended streamers (and look into Roon) to make a decision.

I will keep you apprised of my search,

Dave (naperaudio)