Streamer only

pal OP

151 posts

04-02-2024 at 05:38am 

Thanks for the suggestions. My budget was under 1000 new or used. 

Hi @pal I think it’ll be up to you, figuring out whether benefit lies in spending your full budget or 10-20% of it. Here’s why -

Streamer DIY doesn’t require being tech-savvy but if you want fully plug-n-play enough to spend upwards of a grand, maybe the latter is the better route. For an off-the-shelf streamer system (basically a limited-purpose laptop in an AVR-looking chassis with, in some cases, specialized power supply of generally unsubstantiated performance benefits), your main concern should be connectivity (what does your DAC accept - asynchronous USB, TOSLINK, etc.?) and whether you like the on-screen or smartphone app. The OS/software part sometimes gets glazed over because most streamers use a company-made OS (often based on Linux?) and each has to keep theirs up, or else you eventually have a brick of an audio computer.

There is no empirical evidence that a streamer can affect sound quality in an audible way. All support for this belief is anecdotal and generally is held without practicing any proper testing controls. Some folks dislike this notion, but when recommending how a stranger should spend the USD 4-5 figure$ that many file transports now command, I think it’s in order to make clear.

Okay, stepping off that soapbox now 😅

Start with any computer you already have, while you learn more about streamer models within your budget and decide if/which ones are worth trying. Because, well, why wait if it doesn’t cost you anything to start now, hey? 

Aurender N100H are available used for $1200 or so on this site and others. My own ears provide “anecdotal “ evidence of a profound increase in sound quality above using my Mac laptop as a streamer. The difference is stark. I would recommend this as your $1000 solution .

A Bluesound Node w/ a LPS (Small green computer) because the app to run it is easy to use. The App is an important component. This is a bit over 1K and vey good,

I've had several including my PC and MAC as a source (my first source). I've tried some ChiFi (Suncos @ $500) and a sound card plugged into my first decent DAC (PS Audio Perfect Wave).  I got talked into a PS Audio AirLens and have been very happy with it. It's been trouble free unlike my former purchases. 

I think the reason it sounds so good is it's isolation technology. From their website which Audiogoon won't allow links to:

Unfortunately, connecting your sensitive DAC to the noise generated by computers, routers, NAS, local networks, and modems via either WiFi or Ethernet cable is not a great-sounding solution to bringing high-performance audio into your listening environment. The PS Audio AirLens™ completely eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal. You’ve not yet heard how great streaming can sound until you experience audio through the AirLens.

Prices have dropped to $1,600 with a free 30 day return policy if you don't like it.  

So far I'm really happy with it. However because the technology obeys Moors Law you can expect 2X the quality at 1/2 the price in 18 months or so.

jallan

248 posts

04-02-2024 at 06:06pm 

Aurender N100H are available used for $1200 or so on this site and others. My own ears provide “anecdotal “ evidence of a profound increase in sound quality above using my Mac laptop as a streamer. The difference is stark. I would recommend this as your $1000 solution .

Heyya @jallan which gen is that Mac laptop? There are reported audio issues with certain M-gen(s) processors. Beyond smartphones I absolutely eschew the Mac OS so have no personal experience in that particular regard.

Very well could be a real life experience, whatchya describe. That’s the discrepancy between individual/personal experience and demonstrated pattern through controlled investigation.

In any case, if OP already has a Mac (or PC), tries it first, then gets a $1K USD streamer and perceives the latter as better, where exactly does the issue lay? 😉