What are you using as a streamer? Constructive feedback please.


Wondering what improvements I can made to my streaming end and what you all are using.

Not looking to rip CDs and I mostly listen to vinyl.

System right now is:

Node 2 (latest version used streaming only with Roon)

Bel Canto e.One ref DAC 2.7

Bel Canto e.One ref CD3t Transport.

Bel Canto e.One ref 501S (best Class D to date to ever grace my system)

Mini GaN 5 ( had to try it and swap it in and out)

AM Qualiton X200 Tube Integrated (love it and gets most use)

QLN Prestige 5 Speakers.

All cables and wires are Signal Cable.

Appreciate the constructive feedback.

Have a great day.

 

 

128x128jerryg123

I amusing a computer I built with Noktua biggest radiator and SS drives using Linux 

operatung system   On the Ethernet input the excellent uptone audio Ether regen which cleans the incoming Ethernet it’s nice hub , Wire World starlight Ethernet cable ,  USB cable  Audiogon - Grannyring makes Excellent quality Great value cables Acoustic BBQ ,going to a Denafrips Iris DDC Reclocker  , Clock sync  BNC cables ,then I2S cables all Wire World to New Terminator-2  Dac  which I use Roon  
and QObuz  toWestern DigitalSS drives. Until I decide to spend $5-6k  on a dedicated streamer server  this sounds very good.

My set up is: Roon Nucleus+, a Synology NAS DS918+ and a Lumin T2.  The Lumin T2 offers a great soundstage and I just upgraded from a Lumin D2.  I use the Lumin T2 in my main listening area and I have Sonos set up in 7 different zones where I use the Roon, which pulls my ripped CD's from the NAS or stream music from either Tidal or Quboz .  With the Roon you can play different music in every zone at the same time which is great when household members want to hear their own music.  This comes in handy when I am playing music outside, for example, yet others want to hear something else in the house.  One of the best things about Roon is that you can use your smartphone or tablet to control everything and the app is user friendly.

I have an AURALiC Aries (old model) that I use in my second system, and an AURALiC Aries G1 (new model) that I'm using in my main system. These are awesome streamers. You can use the AURALiC app to stream, or you can use ROON. Also, they work very well with Apple Air Play. Either way, they work really well. The one caveat I have is that the new AURALiC products don't come with remote controls for some reason. They say you can use any "universal" remote. I tried that and didn't like it. So, I ordered an AURALiC remote from Upscale Audio. It works great! Why didn't they just include this with the product? Not sure. Anyway, bottom line is that I very highly recommend the AURALiC products.

I use computers with Qobuz and Media Center software. I run the feed from the computer to either a Marantz AV amp in my home theater system or CEC DA5 dac in my stereo system.

Both computers are custom. The one used in the stereo system has an analog power supply to help reduce noise.

I tried Tidal, I decided I like Qobuz better.

I make my own cabling (Kleinbeck Engineering) because I don't like the performance of other brands. I prefer musical,  low noise, electrically accurate designs of cabling.

When I asked the same question couple months ago, I received an overwhelming 

number of great recommendations. At the end, I decided to upgrade my CDT and spend the extra money on buying cd/sacd. I know it sounds crazy but I listen more to the music I enjoy that way. I just stream to discover new music that’s it. Sorry that is not the answer you are looking for but that is what I did and for now, I enjoy my music collection more and more. Happy Holidays!