Stepping into streaming, finally
As the title states finally I have gotten into streaming realm. Wanted ethernet streamer connectivity and started with Wiim feeding Denafrips Venus II 12th then into Pathos Inpol Remix and finally to Sonus Faber Venere. Well, I was not thrilled with the sound quality not to mention lack of cooperation from Wiim with pure ethernet path. Tried Bluesound Node, small steps. No dice with Node either. Came across EarMen Stacatto with exclusive ethernet connectivity and no DAC built in, exactly what I needed, very few reviews but took a chance. Well, all the boxes of my needs checked, with sound quality matching CDs, transported by Jay's Audio CDT2 MK3. I think that says a lot. Very satisfied, expectations exceeded.
@jond The antenna is for Bluetooth connection with the phone as a remote control. Indeed the pricing is quite "interesting", I have seen prices as high as about $1100, "regular" price on EarMen website is $429 and for about a week it is on sale for $249, that's where I bought it from. |
@lalitk I do not know what to tell you. Maybe my system is not revealing enough. I have Caladans coming, will see if they better the Sonus Fabers or maybe my hearing? I think at this point the sound quality is comparable, granted I have not spent long time comparing. But I am certain that there is huge difference, for better, from both Wimm and Node using only the streamer sections. |
@lalitk +1 that is a very easy sonic upgrade. |
