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Combination streamer and music server…without DAC

Re. Combination streamer and music server without DAC:  There don’t seem to be too many of these out there and when I do see them, they tend to be quite pricey (Aurender N20).  I would like to use the DAC on my CD player.  I’m looking for something used, between $3K and $4K.  I suppose Lumin is an option by purchasing an L1 storage unit but I’m trying to avoid having another box.  I have about 300 to 400 cd’s.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

 

 

russellrcncom
mesch
3,409 posts
 

I support your willingness to try the computer approach prior to spending hard earned cash.

Congrats on your retirement.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

@russellrcncom :

Just to let everyone know my present set-up is mbl corona CD player / dac with a Sonora UltraRendu + EtherRegen unit.

It looks like you have a streamer, the UltraRendu (Sonore). That info was absent in your OP. Very versatile streamer, DLNA, SqueezeLite, Spotify Connect, and most importantly, Roon Ready. Not sure if you have Roon or not. Assuming your CD Player / DAC has an USB input (it sounds like it does), your job is to:

1 - Rip your CDs, and

2 - Have them stored them somewhere, in a hard drive, NAS, or anything that can "serve". Meaning that can be seen and pulled through from your ultraRendu web interface.

So you need a "server". The streamer part is taken care by the Sonore UltraRendu. A computer would do the job as a server, and in the absence of a proper, purpose built server to listen to and compare with (i.e. Aurender, or Innuos), it will sound just fine. It will get you started. Bottom line is that you already have isolation / separation between a potentially noisy computer and your streamer (ultraRendu). Which is a very good first step (vs. streaming directly from a general purpose computer to the DAC via direct USB connection)

mrmanisundaram
81 posts
 

Rose 150b

nepfotos
12 posts
 

After a long selection period, including a long hearing session comparing Innuos Zenith to 432 Evo Aeon, I got a Zenith MK3 and I am very happy with it. So my recommendation in the price range would be the Zenith.

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
241 posts
 

You can run Qobuz with the Innuos Sense App.  The Sense App sounds better than Roon AND the are no subscription fees.

Rip your files in WAV not FLAC, it definitely sounds better.

Innuos has an Off-line mode that stops the ethernet input from adding noise when playing stored files.  It will bring you much closer to your CD player.

Save some money for an Ethernet filter like the EVO for the last leg.  I am using a SOtM CAT7u, for me it was better than the ENO Ag.

If you don't have a LPS for the EtherRegen your missing out.

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