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Want a streaming device without DAC in $1K range

Hi.

I am new to Stereo, but had Sonos Amp and SVS ultra for a short period of time, which I did not experience satisfying sound quality from and returned a few days ago. From this short first experience, I realized that a good streamer is needed, along with a good DAC and a good Amp. The SVS Ultra did okay, but I returned it anyways because I wanted something easier on my ears and looking at the Monitor Audio’s Gold 100 5G as my next speaker.

I think I might try a designated DAC, like Chord Qutest. Or maybe a Hegel Integrated Amp Rost.

This amp and DAC part is pretty much set and willing to explore from there.

But I can’t quite make a decision on the streamer.

It seems Volumio Primo is good, Also the MiniDSP SHD Studio, Pro-Ject S2 Ultra streamer.

Is there other good options in terms of sound quality?

I like the SHD for its Dirac capability, but does it make big differences?

I am also interested in Bel Canto Streamer, Matrix Element i, and MiniDSP SHD (the DAC version),

But, those have DACs built in and don’t want to spend extra $ if they don’t stream better sound quality over the ones that don’t have DACs.

My budget for streamer is less than 1.5 K

Thanks

K
yggy1
martin-andersen
139 posts
 
I bought this one https://darko.audio/2018/11/a-short-film-about-the-allo-digione-signature/ because I wanted the same as you. A streamer without a DAC.

I think it's really good. I am using it with https://ropieee.org and the Orchid DAC
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
488 posts
 
I have two streamers, Innous Zenith MKII in my main system and Raspberry PI in my rec room.  I use Roon on both.  The Zenith is of course better ($4K versus $110); however, they meet my needs.  

Try a Raspberry PI and see if you like it.  You might be surprised at how good a “Pro DAC” hat sounds.
zug
41 posts
 
I also have the Bryston but BDP-1, nabbed it for about $700, and it's pretty good after suitable break-in (funny that it seemed to take a couple 100 hours??) and tweaks. Of course you need a good Dac. The BDP-1 definitely vanquishes jitter so it's very non-fatiguing sound for sure.
usery
131 posts
 
OP wrote:

"Is the sound quality from Raspberry Pi good for audiophiles?"
Yes.

Like everyone else above wrote about the RaspberryPi (RPi) option, you can build your own streamer for well under $1000 and it will include a 'audiophile-quality' DAC. I have two, both based on the RPi 3B+: a HifiBerry DAC+ Pro and a Orchard Audio ApplePi DAC. Both are dual-boot: Volumio for hifi audio streaming and playback, and OSMC/Kodi for HD movie streaming to RPi hdmi-out. The Orchard Audio ApplePi DAC is quite good though obviously won't match dedicated up-market hifi DACs of $3K+.  

Read about a quarterly RPi DAC 'shoot-out' here, with DAC boards ranked: https://forum.volumio.org/volumio-soundcheck-invitation-for-hamburg-germany-t5918-230.html
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jazzman7
335 posts
 
Another option, especially if you are considering going the Roon route, is to pair a Roon Nucleus with a good USB capable DAC.  With a decent USB cable connecting the two, this makes for a marvelous pairing. 
I am currently using a Roon Nucleus tied to a Chord Qutest via Curious USB Cable ($350), and can highly recommend this combination.  And if you decide you need a place to store CD rips and/or downloads, the Roon Nucleus also has an internal bay which can be fitted with an HDD or SSD.  Roon Nucleus lists for $1400.  Roon subscriptions with or without Nucleus go for $119 a year or $699 lifetime. 
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