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Music streamer with no DAC and no storage?

I have an all digital Kii Three audio system (active speakers with DACS and amps) controlled by the Kii Controller fed by a KS Realization USB cable from my Mac PowerBook, with Shunyata Denali and Alpha power cords feeding the speakers.  I am looking for a top-notch streamer without a DAC (already built in to my speakers) and with no storage needed (I only stream from h-res streaming services in 24/44 - 24/192).  I would like to play the streaming services without my Mac computer, but don't need all the functions currently offered in the current all-purpose streamers.  Any ideas?   
chetstern
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
What do you intend to use as your music source and/or control app? That may play into recommendations. Most network streaming hardware does not include storage, and there are a fair number that don't include analog outputs, although I would say most of the less expensive ones do since most people would prefer to get more features than less.
ecat026
11 posts
 
I upgraded from the Node 2 to the Auralic G1 and couldn't be happier. It was a significant audio improvement but also added useful features like IR remote connectivity and an LCD screen to display album art via Roon.

I use digital coax to connect it to my Brooklyn DAC+. Coax sounded better than USB, not sure if it's attributed to the G1 or Brooklyn. 

Lastly, I researched the Lumin U1 Mini as well but there is so little info on it. It's $2k while the G1 is a couple hundred dollars more. Something to consider. 
ecat026
11 posts
 
Edit: I see your updated post. I use a NAS (Network Attached Storage) to store and stream my ripped movies, music, pics, videos, runs roon server, etc. I use a QNAP 453B mini. 

NAS' can sound overwhelming but think of it as an external hard drive with ethernet for connectivity. Of course, they have many more features and uses too. 
jackd
1,037 posts
 
For anyone interested there is plenty of info available on the Lumin U1 Mini on Computer Audiophile and AudioSharks where the software head also hangs out and answers questions daily.   The G1 and U1 Mini are comparable units with all four standard outputs so it comes down to styling and which app you prefer.  The Innuous is supposed to be a great unit also but USB output only.  
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
@ecat026 also you can play around with the LUMIN mobile app before purchasing a unit. The only thing that won't work is choosing a target device or setting preferences for a device.

We ended deciding to carry LUMIN based on the quality and design of their hardware and software, after trying a few other options.
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