Another post about a streamer upgrade


Hello

I’ve read a lot of the threads here about streamers and moving up the chain.

However, it seems there’s not a ton of info for relatively modestly priced streamers … most threads focus on the Bluesound / Ifi Zen range or the Aurender N200 range.

I have an Ifi Zen Stream with an LPS fronted by an Ether Regen and would like to move on to something better… mainly from a usability and app standpoint but would like to spend significantly less than $2k.

I think the writing is on the wall with the Innuos Pulse Mini but curious if others have a suggestion that would be a sq improvement from the Ifi and a much better user experience for around $1500 give or take.

I currently use the JPLAY app to access Qobuz to stream DLNA to the Ifi but it’s frustrating and connectivity isn’t great. 
 

I don’t use Roon so the Sense app from Innuos is probably the best bet from what I gather.   I’d also be interested in the Aurender system but according to many the N200 is where to start there and that’s significant higher priced than where I want to go at this point.

Are there any other options with great usability and sound that I’m not thinking of.

I typically run Spdif coax out to my dacs but could also run usb.

thanks in advance 

j_andrews

@j_andrews 

Thanks for posting your impressions. The streamer quality does matters and most folks here would be open to exploring better sound experience just like you did! 

I agree with you on JPLAY app, it’s a really nice app, well laid out and offers seamless Qobuz integration. Your assessment of Innuous is also spot on, while I enjoyed Innuos well rounded sound, I found it to be bit on darker side for my preferences. 

The Innuos Pulse Mini looks a decent candidate.

@jerrybj  I agree, especially as you already have a Pardo LPS.  I’ve seen a few reports where owners said the Zen Mini with an external LPS rivals the sound of the Zen, and it’s likely the Pulse Mini will sound even better.  Best of luck.

forgot to mention I’m using the Innuos Pulse Mini with the 80watt version of the LHY power supply, the LPS80VA available from Vinshine ... 12V/5A

and the Ifi Zen Stream with the 25watt version of the LHY supply, LPS25VA....12V/2A