Best streamer to replace my Mac Mini?


I'm looking for a streamer that cost around $2,000 to replace my Mac Mini. I'm torn between the Auralic S1, Lumen U2 Mini, and the Eversolo A8. Any suggestions out of those 3? Using the dac in my Macintosh MA9500. 

Thanks

128x128profoundprorva

Hi @profoundprorva , I agree you can't go wrong with an Aurender as @ghdprentice states. I also have had good luck with Auralic products, and the S1 looks like a great example of trickle down technology.  The only feature that the S1 seems to be missing is the usual Auralic wifi inputs.  May or may not be an issue.  I have two Altairs (streamer and DAC) at a vacation home that run rock solid on wifi.  I have heard too many negatives about Eversolo to go there.  I own an Aurender N20 and the sound quality is stunning.  Does your Mac have the DA1 module?  If so I would consider and Aurender or Auralic with onboard DAC which  will likely best the DA1 module.  Or get a separate streamer only and then you can consider DAC upgrade in the future.  I guess what I am saying is that I and many are not impressed by the DA1 module.  I also can't knock Lumin, just never had one.

Thanks for the replies, my McIntosh has the upgraded DAC 2 chip installed if that matters. The Auralic is my top choice so far since it also has a nice display and can run Dirac, shame it’s not a touch screen though. 

I've had an Auralic Aries G 2.1 for 3-4 years now with absolutely no issues. Sounds fantastic, and the user interface is very user friendly.

Before the Auralic I had an Aurender N100. This was the worst audio purchase I ever made. Every time the power would flicker or go out, the unit would not boot back up. I was on speed dial with Ari the rep for Aurender. To there credit they were very supportive. I sent it back to Aurender at least 4 times. The final time they completely rebuilt the unit. I got it back and made sure it was working...then traded it in to an authorized Aurender dealer.

I will say the short time it was functional it did sound good.

I would agree with a common sentiment on this forum....If your going to primarily listen to digital content...bite the bullet and buy a quality streamer/network player. Its a necessary evil for quality digital playback.

I'm sure you made a good choice with Auralic ....   They concentrate on streamers and seem to be well received.