Streamer Comparison and Suggestions
I am considering options for a new streamer for the specific purpose of improving sound quality as a Roon endpoint feeding a DAC.
The set-up:
The Ambre is a Raspberry Pi based device with internal LPS and femto clocking. I am curious whether some of the more expensive, more well-known streamer options may result in improved sound quality as a Roon endpoint feeding my DAC - which is my only goal. I intend to continue using Roon to control Tidal, Qobuz, and my server stored music files so the addition of fancy touchscreens, on-board storage, or optional player software will not affect my decision unless the device also offers improved sound quality.
Streamers I have been considering are in the $5-8K price range and include:
Thanks for any suggestions and specifically any comparisons between the streamers listed above.
Thank you @marco1 I ended up with a Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe (optical) - with latest upgrades, and it elevated the sound of my system. I can output USB directly to my DAC or use Sonore’s ultraDigital to convert USB to S/PDIF or I2S. I also have a Singxer SU-6 DDC but currently not using it. If I wasn’t so happy with the Sonore, the Innuos Pulsar would be next on my list. |
mitch you should check out a 432evo Aeon to date we haven't found a server that beats it the aeon is a completely modular design so the server can be improved as newer parts become available. each part of the server is physically and electrically isolated from each other: the cpu and motherboard are separated from the clock card and usb card the cpu is run by by an external sbooster power supply. while the clock and usb are run by their own separate, sbooster power supply a laser sintered, custom made shield, eliminates radiated rfi from the low noise cpu. A proprietary operating system runs Roon differently then most servers in a 432 EVO server runs Ron in its own core, while background processes are run on their own core. Music caching is run on yet another core. in our tests the Aeon sounded as good as the $27 Innous statement next gen we beat the Aurender n10 and N20 models Dave and Troy Audio intellect NJ 432evo dealers |
@audiotroy and you have listened to them all? Doubt it. |
Thank you Dave and Troy but I am totally happy with my sonicTransporter i9 (Gen4) as a server (runs Roon core and stored music files on SSD), and Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe (optical) as the streamer/endpoint/renderer. I like how the sonicTransporter (being separated from the streamer/endpoint) can be located in another room away from my system and then feed the streamer/endpoint via an optical cable thus providing galvanic isolation. Having the server networked is beneficial since it also operates as a server for Roon and saved music files for two other of my home systems that have their own endpoints. I also like that both the sonicTransporter and Signature Rendu SE are made in the USA and can easily be serviced in the USA. In addition, support for both products has been exceptional. Happy New Year |
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I have very similar setup to @mitch2, in my case custom streamer used only as server/Roon core, Sonore OpticalModule to OpticalRendu, in my setup the Sonore powered by outboard lps, Uptone JS2 (choke based LPS). I've tried many other setups for Roon over the years, this best and have no desire or intention to change. If I were to upgrade it would only be to the Deluxe version of Sonore. I could also go to single streamer setup via my custom streamer via Pink Faun or JCAT I2S or usb interface. Finding I2S interface via Denafrips Gaia, this out of the OpticalRendu via usb to be my new reference. The Sonore equipment is very nice for a Roon bridged setup! |
