Best streamer, don't want Roon, don't want a screen, A DAC is OK but not necessary


budget = $4000

To be clear, a built-in DAC is fine, but not a necessity

ullogu1

Don’t know about the Mini, but the Femto Aries is great.  I’d say better than the Lumin U1 Mini, and I have both (in terms of sound quality).

Pretty sad that you already have a great streamer in the Auralic Altair G2.1, but it has no digital outputs. That sux. The Holo Audio May DAC has two I2S inputs. While the USB is obviously a good way to get digital data into it, I'm sure you might always be questioning if the sound quality might be a touch better using I2S, so I would look for a streamer in your price range that offers I2S output. You can use the presumably better clocking circuit inside the Holo May with either USB or I2S. Good luck. 

Hello there , just in case you might be interested… I have a NS1 from EMM LABS for sale on Canuck/ US audio mart , unit is in perfect like new condition and have exactly the characteristics your are looking for and for less than your budget…

Thanks for looking and good luck with your search !

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650140317-emm-labs-ns1-streamer/