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What's the best non-DAC streamer?

I've already got a great DAC (an Yggy) but have never auditioned any streamers.  The rest of my system is all Schiit Audio with the 400W monoblocks and Tekton speakers.  Have just been using an iPad as a streaming source for Tidal and Spotify.
What streamer under $3k would give me the most bang for the buck?
dougthebiker
62 responses Add your response
soix
9,456 posts
 
You’ve got some good recommendations already so I’d just add the Innuos Zen Mk3, which is also a server and has a disc drive so you can rip any discs you have directly into it.  Gets very good reviews, and there’s one available here now for $2785.  Best of luck in whatever you decide. 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
I have a miniDSP Studio and love it.

https://www.minidsp.com/products/streaming-hd-series/shd-studio

Sounds great with a $60 generic LPS.
photomax
169 posts
 
The Lumin U1 and U1 Mini don’t have DACs...
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
If there is a Lumin that doesn't charge you for a DAC that you explicitly do not want to pay for, I am ignorant.

Soul Of the Music.
Start with the player like the Rendu family.
Then upgrade to the LPS and netswtch if desired.
You might like it as is OR be piqued.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,443 posts
 
^^^I would stay away from components with wall warts. A linear power supply is a must for digital components. If you plan on stacking ‘boxes’ and cables then you may consider SoTM.
dougthebiker OP
210 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations.
I can do either wireless or wired.
Anyone else have experience with SOtM?  I've never heard of it before. And don't see any reviews of it.  The price is certainly right.
sb_caribou
13 posts
 
doug are you looking for a truly wireless streamer or are you ok with one that would need to be bound by ethernet connection?  The above suggestions seem good, but not clear to me whether they all operating "wireless"
crn3371
224 posts
 
I’m happy with my Bel Canto eOne Stream. 
goodsource
114 posts
 
just based on feature set lumin wins. ofcourse sound quality, ease of use and reliability are obviously great.

aurender does not support roon
auralic does not support mqa
lumin supports roon,mqa and has all the required native integration with tidal,qbouz,spotify,airplay etc.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
Or dip your toes 

https://sotm-usa.com/collections/sotm-ultra/products/sms-200-neo-network-player
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
Best AND best bang
$1200

https://sotm-usa.com/collections/lightly-auditioned/products/sms-200ultra-neo
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,443 posts
 
I would look into Aurender N100H, Auralic Aries G1 and Lumin U1 Mini. Personally, I have experienced N100H in my system and it’s a solid performer with outstanding iOS app.
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