Streamer, no DAC please?

How much do you want to pay ?

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbcd9i-lumin-u1-media-servers

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650032567-lumin-u1-mini-with-sbooster-power-supply-free-shipping/

The Matrix Audio Element S is worth a look. Very highly regarded dedicated streaming with only digital outputs. 

The Eversolo DMP-A6 is also very popular. It's actually a multi function device that can be used as all in one streaming source, or just as a DAC, or just as a transport. But the price is right and the execution so good that a lot of people use it as a dedicated transport anyway. 

I would look into both of those, you should be able to find them from a dealer that allows in-home trials or easy returns. Amazon might even have the Eversolo which makes it easy.

FIIO  SR11

https://www.fiio.com/sr11

The new DAC less LUMIN U2 streamer that is the old X1 minus the DAC section is something that I would get if I needed another streamer. I have 3 Sonore OpticalRendu's streamers so I am good on the streaming front. However, when (or if) one of them dies I will get something like the U2.

LUMIN U2

I owned the X1 DAC before and loved the steaming section of that unit. It supports a Fibre optic connection natively and has so many features (that I used).

Budget?

PS Audio AirLens

Thanks for the information. This is an experiment for me... I don't want to spend more than $1500ish. Used is always fine with me.. If I like the format, I'll likely upgrade sooner than later.

Andrew

@larseand 

Is it possible to find a quality steamer without a DAC? 

I believe that you will find that a majority of streamers sold are stand alone without built in DACs.

https://us.auralic.com/products/aries-s1?variant=45694237081852

$1999

New technology TESLA 3

+1 on the PS Audio AirLens.  $2000

Keep in mind, however, you need to consider what streaming service you want to use (Tidal, Qubuz, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, etc.) and what control app (BluOS, Roon, etc.)  Some are better than others and can cost additional money.

But if you want to wet your feet, find a used Bluesound Node (v2.1 or higher), or even a WiiM Pro ($149 on Amazon) or WiiM Mini ($89) to try.  Use their native software and only pay for the streaming service.  Then if you like the streaming process, treat these as disposal (i.e. sell on eBay) and get something better.

...my 2 cents...

Jeff

Most high end streamers do not have a DAC. I highly recommend Aurender. For budget... N200 or used N100... or N20. The more you invest the better they sound... up to the very highest level. One of the considerations is the app used to control them. Aurender has Conductor... for iPad, phone, MacBook or tablet. It is easy to use, well regarded. Aurender has excellent service as well. 

I have friends that have purchased other high end streamers... most complain about the app that controls it. While others may have good sound quality... many do not, the app is your interface. 

Lumin, Aurlic and others make good quality streamers. 

I plan to subscribe to Qobuz or perhaps Tidal...

Most good streamers don’t have a DAC. Innuos, aurender, Grimm MU1, etc. the all-in-ones tend to be lower quality with some notable exceptions like the Grimm MU2.

PS  decide if you want to use Roon before you buy. this will influence your decision.

As a Luddite get a WIIM mini. Cheapest way to educate yourself on streaming. 

I would look at Innuos and Auralic in your price range.  Eversolo support is non existent.   It's decent hardware with a decent interface but if one of their firmware updates has a bug don't expect a fix.   Been waiting 6 months for USB out to work again with DAC.   

If you'r patient you can find Bryston BDP-3 for ~$1.5K.  There is a Bryston BDP Pi on here for $800.  Interface is spartan and they both are out of production but SQ is top notch. 

+1 on Auralic either the new S1 as suggested previously or a used Aries I am currently using an Aries G1 and previously an Aries Mini and love both devices. Good SQ, very reliable and well supported plus a good quality free app.

Strong recommendation for the Bricasti M5. It simply works with zero technical issues, transparent sound, and exceptional build quality. It is a bit over budget but they come up used under $2k. 

Give the WiiM Ultra a shot. It’s around $300 smackaroos. It is compatible with most streaming services out there. 

Just so you know, Audiogon has a search bar:

https://forum.audiogon.com/search/index?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=streamer+without+

Go for Quboz. Slightly better sound quality than others and half a million high resolution albums vs a tenth of that for Tidal. 

I've been looking for one in the 2000-3000 range. I've settled on the Lumin U2 Mini, The Holo Audio or the Auralic Aries S1. Another option is the Lumin u2 (not mini) but it would have to be used. Iy depends a bit on what features you want: See about maximum DSD rate, Check for your preferred digital output, I2S is still tough to find but I expect it will be common, soon. If you don't like Roon (like me) make sure the included app is user friendly and meets your needs. Lumin and Auralic and supports your platform (Amazingly, I don't think Auralic supports Android). PSAudio AirLens has no app supplied, you're using Roon.  I've not found anything except the Lumin U2 that checks all my boxes so I've stayed using the streamer half of my Node 2i. Into a good DAC, it's really a damn good sounding streamer!

I have had the Rose 130 in my system for the last 2 weeks. Before that the Eversolo 8 as a streamer only and before that a Node.  The Rose has brought my System to entirely different level. The Eversolo 8 was huge improvement over the Node in the basics of sound clarity, sound stage and energy.  I connected the Rose to fiber optic today and agin another improvement in tonal quality , texture and energy . I recommend reach for a high quality audiophile streamer . I’ve been sold on performance and importance of a higher quality and potentially more costly streamer. Running the Rose through an AVA Digital pre amp. Odyssey Kismet monos and Alta Audio Alec’s. 

I like my Innuos Pulse Mini with upgraded LPS. This replaced my Project Streambox Ultra II. I ran the Project with the provided wall wart and it’s not bad. I’m currently using it in my headphones system. Both of my streamers are hardwired. I use a Cardas Clear usb on the Project and a Wireworld Starlight Platinum usb on the Innuos. I stream both Tidal and Qbuzz and listen to Radio Paradise and .1FM radio channels. Those particular channels sound as good as my subscription's. If you get a better streamer with a built in power supply your at $3K, but it’s another improvement. Happy Hunting , Mike B. 

At your price point, a preowned Aurender N100H will give excellent SQ.  The Conductor App works well with QoBuz and Tidal streaming services,  and makes it easy to upload and catalog your digital files.  Reliability and customer service are excellent.  If you can increase yor budget, a preowned N200 or N10 will provide better SQ and in my opinion is worth the additional spend.  A preowned Aurender is  the way to go over other new streamers/servers that retail at your price point.  

First, are you looking for a server or streamer or something that does both jobs? Have a look at the Lindemann Bridge II streamer with digital out, very nice app, you can use JPlay if you prefer that interface. Also the Melco N100 is a great server and streamer - also works with JPlay app.

Recommend  Innuos streamers.  They have several different models depending on your budget including used ones you can usually find online.  Their Sense app works well with Qobuz, which is the steaming service I use and recommend. 

@larseand 

The New “Cayin IDAP-8 “… Hi End Streamer with Display and NO DAC ! $1399.00