2. digital
  3. 159267-149105

Streamer / DAC Combo apps

Three-week lurker, first-time poster.  I have now officially reached the point where the more I read the less I know.  I am putting together a two-channel system from scratch.  Never had one before but can't stand the sound of my Bose playing via bluetooth anymore.  At this point I have only an integrated tube amp (Jadis Orchestra Black) I bought here a few weeks ago.  I want to get a combo streamer / DAC next; I will figure out speakers last I guess (I understand that may not be the best way to go about this but, oh well).  I would like to spend $15K or less total, so I will likely buy a lot of it used.

I know this topic has been covered extensively here, so I just wanted to focus on the apps, which I think are critical.  Ideally I would like the system to be able to be run by everyone in the house (i.e., wife and young kids), and want it to play well with Tidal and Spotify.  Eventually I want to integrate a CD-ripper / sever, as I have a few hundred CDs I'd like to be able to access.  And let's set aside Roon for the moment, which I understand is a whole 'nother thing. 

I have narrowed the candidates to Aurender A10, Bryston BDA 3.14, and Cary DMS 550 (or 600 if I find one cheap).  I have app questions about each, so any input from owners is appreciated.

A10: I understand the Conductor app gets great reviews, but it only works on iPad and not iPhone (I don't have any Android stuff).  The Aurender site says an iPhone version is "coming" but doesn't say when -- which means it could be years away or never.  My question is whether an iPad is too big and clunky to use to control the system?  If it worked on the phone, then everyone could control it from their own phone.  With a iPad I think I would have to have a dedicated unit.

Bryston:  Apparently Manic Moose works on iPhones but I have heard varying reviews of its usability / stability / functionality.  Is the consensus that it's good enough, or do most people buy these units with the idea to use them as Roon endpoints mostly?

Cary:  Same thing with the Cary app.  It works on phones but the reviews seem to be that it's just OK.  Is there a consensus view on whether it's inadequate and thus most buyers bite the bullet and go the Roon subscription route?

Thanks in advance for any help.
cccjr
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,582 posts
 
I prefer larger images and text to tiny ones, so I prefer using a tablet to a phone as a controller.  

I have used the Lumin and the BluOs app.  I have Android controllers so Lumin didn't work for me, but it's supposed to be fine with Apple controllers.  BluOs is basic but very easy to set up and use.  It shows the front cover of the album and a track list, but that's about it for metadata.

There are also separate apps that you can buy cheaply that work well with some gear, but I can't help you there either.
mrklas
441 posts
 
I have used both my iPad and iPhone to manage my streaming through Bluesound OS and SimAudio's Mind2.  

I like the iPad because it's bigger and more convenient to share with house guests because it doesn't have the pin/security due to my work email on my phone.

Additionally, my audio dealer uses an iPad with Roon for demos.  I'd find a cheap iPad with no cell service (best buy or reconditioned) to keep the investment low and reliability high.
soix
9,436 posts
 
I am putting together a two-channel system from scratch. Never had one before but can’t stand the sound of my Bose playing via bluetooth anymore.
Amen Brother. You are among friends here. I have to say I’m curious as to what drove you to jump on the Jadis?

Anyway, given your budget and desire to rip CDs and have a user-friendly format I’d recommend giving the Innuos Zen Mk.3 streamer/server a look as it’s a solid streamer but also has an onboard CD drive and internal storage that makes it extremely easy to burn all your CDs directly into it — no muss, no fuss, no additional equipment required. It also works with Roon, which is likely the most user-friendly format for your other family members and Innuos is reputed to have very good customer support should you ever experience a problem or have a question.

I’d also highly recommend buying a separate DAC. At this level DACs become a highly personal choice, and marrying yourself to one embedded in a streamer will be very limiting. A separate DAC will also make it much easier to upgrade just the DAC (or streamer) in the future as this technology continues its torrid (at least in audio terms) pace of improvement.

As for the rest of your system, you’ll want to focus on speakers whose impedance doesn’t drop much below 6 Ohms in order to play nice with your amp. And don’t forget to save some $ in your budget for good cables, interconnects, and power cables as they all do matter at this level. Fortunately good wires can be had relatively cheaply these days, but it’ll still add up to a good chunk. Haven’t mentioned power conditioning, dedicated lines, room treatments, etc., etc., but you’ve already got enough on your plate to deal with and digest. Hope this helps at least somewhat, and best of luck in building your system. My last tip, make sure to use YOUR ears as the final arbiter in making purchase decisions as we all hear differently and you’re the only one who knows what sounds best to you. Welcome to the machine!

More to discover