Network Bridge/Streamer only for Qobuz


Trying to find a quality streamer/bridge only to connect to an external DAC for playing Qobuz. This will be controlled via a iOS device. My price range is up to $800. Guessing a USB connection should be better than a coax correct? 
 

Trying to talk myself out of a all in one like the Lumin D2 or Atoll MS120. 

128x128temmple

For under $800, I'd also recommend a Bluesound Node for digital output, if your primary goal is just Qobuz and you plan to use an external DAC.

There are definitely reasons to consider something like a Lumin D2 or some other streaming DAC all-in-one, including over the analog output of the Bluesound Node, but then you're also looking at a higher price point. Which may be fine considering the total cost of a streamer plus DAC? But your question is specifically about just picking a streamer for now.

Regarding if USB or coaxial S/PDIF would sound better or if they would sound the same, it will depend on both the streamer and the DAC. So you'd have to try with whatever you end up choosing to see if one sounds better than the other.

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USB will pass higher resolution but might not sound better.

The iFi Zen is praised as possessing  better sound quality (than a Node) for less.

It might not be suitable for a beginner.

Lotso luck

US Bridge Signature streamer and Shanti power supply.  Great streamer for the money.

I going to suggest a different option that works for me.  The Qobuz Windows app is really good sounding giving you the option match streaming size to your bandwidth.  I'm using an I5 Kingdel Fanless Mini Desktop around $400.  WiFi extender with an ethernet port and a CAT 8 cable because the WiFi connection is a little noisy. The Kindel has both USB 2 & 3 ports but for some reason the 2s sound better.  To further isolate the DAC from the PC I use a USB power blocker on the connection to a powered USB hub.  Find a good ASIO driver that supports your DAC and then you can connect over the home network using the RemotePC that's built into windows.  You can then control the server with and app on your phone, tablet or laptop.  

My next steps will to be replace the PC external power supply with a LIFEPRO4 battery since the PC is 12V and then get a stepdown transformer for the hub to 5V.  After that I'll need a charger and some plug adapters.  So for under the cost of a Roon lifetime subscription I've got a working streamer that really sounds good.

YMMV but then again it may not.