I am contemplating a streamer upgrade as well and Innuos and Aurender (N150 as well) are in the mix. I have always used SPDIF, and it seems that these brands tend to limit the user to a USB interface. While my DAC has USB, it is not the latest from the vendor (Schiit), though probably still decent. Anyway, on to the question, what are people's thoughts on USB vs SPDIF? I know, large subject I am sure, but interested in thoughts.
New streamer
I recently opened a discussion on upgrading my DAC. I started at the beginning of that discussion, that I was a vinyl guy, but with my purchase of the Chord Qutest, I realized that digital music can be outstanding and want to now upgrade my Node.
That will provide 2 benefits: Maximizing my current systems digital, and allow me to move the Node & Schiit Modi Multibit 2 to the family room, a small HT setup with a Yamaha AVR driving a Goldenear soundbar. Streaming there is currently MusicCast using the AVR DAC. The improvement there should be very nice.
My 2 channel equipment is as follows:
Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar’s, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node w/Qubuz, Marantz CD6007, Chord Qutest. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.
My weakest link (I believe) is now my Node.
I don’t want or need amplification or volume control, ripping storage, nor an internal DAC. Sound signature should be neutral.
My budget is $2,500, but willing to spend less. My current favorites are:
Lumin U2 mini. Very well reviewed, beautiful, perfect form factor, good app & controllable via my Harmony One remote. It is currently my #1 choice.
Auralic Aris. If new, the G1.1, if used G2.0 or 2.1. Very well reviewed, good app, OK form factor, but not controllable via harmony.
Naim ND5 XS2. Considered the best high end streamer by What Hi Fi Would need to buy used to stay close to budget.
EverSolo DMP-A6. Included based upon reviews, but may not be a serious contender.
HiFi Rose RS250A. The streamer EverSolo seemed to copy
Aurender. Don’t think they have anything within my budget, but included for discussion.
LPS upgrade for Node. Included because I know it will come up. Plan to reuse my node downstairs, so out. Would prefer LPS upgrade for one of the above.
Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!
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Addendum. @ghdprentice Aurender advocate, what interface do you use? I know some of the higher models support other output types. |
@avbronco32 I tried Linn Kazoo but ca t get Tidal to show up. It downloads with Qobuz but I use Tidal. Do you know how? |
@zlone there’s no simple answer. With spdif, the clock before the DAC matters the most, be it in the transport/streamer or a re-clocker that will take in USB and output either i2s or spdif or both. So with streamers like Lumin U2 Mini, or U2, or Aurender N150 and N200, USB is the optimized and preferred interface to your DAC. Provided the DAC has a good USB section. Clear as mud? Lol |
@audphile1 Very clear, thanks for the explanation. It now makes sense why they do not include SPDIF in the lower models, do it right, or not at all. |
- 151 posts total