Suggestions for a streamer only (I have a great DAC)


I have a dCS Paganini DAC and Paganini Clock. I’m looking for a streamer only to pair with the Paganini to stream via Tidal.  That’s it, I don’t need a streamer/DAC/etc.  I don’t want to extra for pay for redundancy.  Any good suggestions on a streamer only  that you have paired to a high end DAC with good results would be appreciated. 

 

PLEASE no “try some at home on your system” responses …. that’s the reason I came here, for some recommendations. Price range $1500-$5000.

 

Thanks!

naperaudio

dCS Network Bridge! I had NWB + Paganini DAC, a great combination. Replaced them with a Bartok. Quite similar in sound, actually. Maybe the NWB + Paganini had a little more air and refinement on the top end and Bartok a little more density and anchored sound. In the end it was more about the single box package and nicer looks rather than SQ upgrade. NWB comes up every month or two on the used market at < $4k. You can also potentially get rid of the Paganini clock as the NWB can also serve as word clock for the Paganini DAC, just have to see if the dedicated clock provides enough improvement, if any, to justify it.

Tried Lumin X1, both as streamer/DAC and just streamer into the Paganini, but found the NWB to be more natural sounding and dynamic.

I wanted to buy an Innuos Zenith, but given it only works with USB DAC's, I had to look elsewhere.  If they ever add SPDIF or AES/EBU compatibility, I will seriously reconsider.

There are three streamers that have not been mentioned in this discussion yet.  The first streamer is called the Magna Hifi  Mano ULTRA that is made in Holland and is compatible with SPDIF and I2S inputs.  You do not have to deal with Roon!  It retails at about $1200.  I have a unit available that is untouched by human hands!  The second streamer is the Euphony PTS that can run on the Euphony Stylus Operating system or on Roon.  It is run connected to the ethernet cable and sells for $999 at power-holdings-inc.com/Euphony-PTS

The third Streamer is called the A Cappella III from Musica Pristina.  Prices start at $3999.  Thirty- day Trial is offered.  I2S and SPDIF outputs available.  Roon Ready.  Unit is made in the USA.

Sorry to rejuvenate an old thread, but what do you go for in the end? I'm thinking of dCS Lina now - both streamer and DAC in one go.