Recommended Server?


Not interested in downloading music, no integrated DAC. Key sonic characteristics? Will be connected to a PS Audio DS DAC MKII.

erastof
Post removed 

Save your money if you do not need a Music Server and really only a transport streamer.  Go Lumin.  The U-1 mini is simple, a nice app an easy to use.  BTW, you are missing the boat by not going full music server.  If you did, you should look at Lucas Audio.  

There are a couple I looked that are just streamers ie: Network players and are very good. Lumin is excellent, Innuos more for usb DACs, and Esoteric which I ended up buying. All are excellent upgrades to the bluesound node. Incredible steps up I might add. On the budget side, the Lumin u2 is their new budget streamer, the older model u1 can be picked up even cheaper. The Innuos Pulse is also an excellent choice and their budget streamer.   Esoteric is not really budget but a fantastic player. Hope this helps. If you’re interested in Innuos I have a friend in Minnesota who is a dealer. Good luck. 

+2 What is your budget, and let’s be clear, are you looking for both a streamer and a server or just a server?  Need more info here man. 

What’s your budget??

I’m using a Bluesound Node N130 running USB to my DAC.  I bought it as my starter streamer and kinda stopped looking.  I did get a LPS for it and it made an improvement.  Total outlay, about $1100.

 

@sgreg1 

What part of stone cold bargain at 50% off don't you understand?😍

@kota1 

what is your cut on these? I have read multiple threads to see you post this over and over with nothing else to add. You are turning into advertising spam. 

Budget?

Rest of system?

PS Audio DS DAC MKII will let you plug in all kinds of ways. I prefer solid sate and at least two copies.

Silver

Auralic Aries is worth checking out I like their LDS app very much and the app is a large part of the experience.

Aurrender. I own two after experimenting with others for years (you can see them in my virtual systems). The higher level one you buy the better the sound quality. Aurrender only makes streamers and they are among the best, if not the best at various levels. 
 

I only listen to Qobuz… although I store my old ripped files on it for the very infrequent internet interruption. 

If you are not downloading music, how will you be using the server? Only as storage for ripped CDs? Or as a streamer for a music service such as Tidal or Qobuz, etc? Or both?