Under $3K streaming dac suggestions, Roon Ready?


Just as the title explains..

Currently using an Auralic Mini to Mytek Liberty.  Looking for a one box solution to save space/cables primarily, but if sound quality improvement is capable in the under $3K range as well, then WOOHOO!!!

Will be hooked up to a Yamaha A-S2100 integrated, Spendor A4 speakers.

I've previously used: Lumin D2, and PS Audio DSD Jr. - and both of those sounded the same as my current setup, and I'm not against going back to either of those since they fit the requirements.

Open to all/any other suggestions.  I have my eye currently on: Mytek Brooklyn Bridge and the Teac NT-505.  Would prefer a component that offers balanced & unbalanced outputs, and volume control isn't needed of course.

Best,
Rob


128x128robelvick
Jworthy, the reason that Innous uses the chip set they do has to do with noise. The more noise generated into the motherboard, the greater the likelyhood that the music data will be interefered with.

It is for this reason that Innous uses the parts they do, if you look at what they have accomplished in their designs you will realize the extent they have gone to make a completely quiet box, that does not mean mechanical noise it means radiated electrical noise, the motherboard’s design, the case shielding the power supply, the specific chip set the layout of the wiring and the type of wiring all are important factors in creating a noise free design.

In the case of the Mark Three units Innous’s design team went over every part on the MK II’s motherboard with a noise probe and then had each chip removed if it wasn’t essential, that along with the subsititution of parts and a custom noise filter are all factors.

The Nucleus is not a particularly well conceived product from a company that has previously never made made hardware but is a software company. We looked at the Nuclueus and passed on it based on the fact that the design didn't bring anything to the table other than a fast processor.

Innous is now on their third iteration of their designs. while the Nuclueus is a first generation product.

Innous started the same way that many companies did by assembling a server out of readily available parts and tweaking the bios that was 2009!

Fast forward ten years, custom motherboards, custom cases, tweeked up ssds, ethernet incomming and outgoing noise filters, custom software, reclocking boards with 1ppb jitter levels, custom reclocking on the ethernet, custom power supplies from two to six rail designs and everything is made to be the best sounding product for the price point.

For these reasons Innous is growing and growing and growing, they have outgrown their production facilities three times allready.

We know what we hear and the Innous servers definately produce a more analog like sound, factor in easy to use, Roon endpoint and Core, easy to setup and you will see why they are taking over the market.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Innous dealers
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@rbach  Thanks for all the great constructive comments on this post.  When other members who are looking for a streaming dac see this, they'll surely be better off, after reading all the great information you've provided.

Much appreciated, and keep up the good work!
Rbach you just joined and all seven of your posts are about us, how flattering.

Do you have any experience in listening to, setting up or comparing servers? 

As per Innuos, please do your homework, we represent the brand because when we compared their servers to Aurender, Baetis, Naim, Sotm, stock and modified Mac Mini computers, the sound quality was better. 

Currently we have three $15-20k servers in the shop a Memory Player 64, a Baetis Reference and a Innuous Statement. 

Want to come over and take a listen to see for yourself which sounds better and how digital can sound different?


https://darko.audio/2019/02/a-short-film-about-the-innuos-zen-mk3/


https://youtu.be/PrKFvGTVmiM

https://www.hifiplus.com/articles/innous-zenith-mkii-music-server/?page=3

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Innous Dealer





Well...

Just pulled the trigger on a new Bel Canto e.One Stream.  Should have it this Friday, and will have all weekend to break it in.

I'll be able to compare it side by side with the Auralic Mini/Mytek Liberty, and switch easily between the two with Roon. 

Thanks to everyone who contributed, and I'll make sure to post my first impressions and the comparison soon.

Best,
Rob