Call Underwood HiFi and the G1 won't be that much more expensive. It and the Lumin U1 Mini are your best bets for what you are looking for.
Which network streamer (without dac)
Currently I have the SoTM SMS 200 network streamer (no Ultra, no Neo) and I’m using the iFi Power supply to power it. I run the USB from it into a Schiit Eitr and convert that to S/PDIF and from there into a Chord Qutest.
It’s sounds pretty good. BUTTTTTT, there are updates: Ultras, Neos, LPSs and on and on. OK, I can figure out the natural path for upgrading the SMS 200 to all those things mentioned above.
Before spending ~$2,000 to get the SMS 200 Ultra Neo and a good LPS should I look at other network devices?
I have my eyes on the Auralic Aries G1 - it’s $2,600. But seems very capable. So, it’s more money, but is it worth it or should I do as every other SMS 200 owner has done and go the Ultra Neo LPS route? Lastly, is there anything else in the $2000 to $2500 price range that has better SQ than messing with all the other SMS pieces.
PS. I like the Qutest fed via S/PDIF so, I want to keep that option and I’d love to try TOSLINK, too. Chord designer says optical is the best Qutest input.
It’s sounds pretty good. BUTTTTTT, there are updates: Ultras, Neos, LPSs and on and on. OK, I can figure out the natural path for upgrading the SMS 200 to all those things mentioned above.
Before spending ~$2,000 to get the SMS 200 Ultra Neo and a good LPS should I look at other network devices?
I have my eyes on the Auralic Aries G1 - it’s $2,600. But seems very capable. So, it’s more money, but is it worth it or should I do as every other SMS 200 owner has done and go the Ultra Neo LPS route? Lastly, is there anything else in the $2000 to $2500 price range that has better SQ than messing with all the other SMS pieces.
PS. I like the Qutest fed via S/PDIF so, I want to keep that option and I’d love to try TOSLINK, too. Chord designer says optical is the best Qutest input.
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