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Streamer Options Needed

This question is a spinoff from this previous post: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgrade-from-martin-logan-sequel-ii-s-to

Since I decided to double my speaker budget, I will have to wait later in the year or perhaps 2026 for that purchase.

With that said, based on the comments from the previous post I am now looking at a streamer.

As stated before, I’m using a 2018 MacMini to stream Qobuz and passing it to the McIntosh C49’s built In DAC (for now at least). Streamer options to consider are: I do not, nor will I have digital music files stored anywhere so I do not need that option. I do not own or want to use a Tablet.  I am a Boomer so I would like to steer away of phone apps.

Ideally I would love the MacMini to control the Qobuz connected streamer that is connected to the C49 DAC.

Just for starters I played with a WiiM Ultra using the Mac OS Beta App. Not too bad, the Mac App controls the WiiM’s music library functions and most settings but not Qobuz. The phone app pretty much uses Qobuz and directs the stream to the WiiM then to the C49 DAC.

I would like to keep the cost under 3K.

Also, If they’re any suggestions on how to make the MacMini sound a bit better I will take those as well. Currently using BitPerfect. Are they any other programs that work similar to BitPerfect they bypass the Computers Audio Engine.

Sorry for the long winded post. So much knowledge to gain.

Suggestions please!!!!

chippieboy
55 responses Add your response
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,405 posts
 

I’m really happy with my Aurender N200.  I bet you can find one used within your budget.

All the best.

Post removed 
retiredaudioguy
78 posts
 

If you have a separate DAC the Bluesound Node is fine, I have compared my downloads to streamed files and can find no difference - this is with a very high end, well engineered Esoteric K-01XD SE DAC.

I cannot vouch for performance with lesser DACs, but I think you can get a Bluesound node for in house auditioning.

For a streamer with built in DAC the Eversolo DMP A8 is outstanding, that component is overkill in terms of connectivity but I use it in my 2nd system to stream Presto and to play from files stored on the Aurender in my main system.

There is a macOS Eversolo app if you have macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.

Note: I am pre-boomer and use my phone as little as possible, but I do use an iPad.

 

knownothing
1,712 posts
 

If you try the Node, an external power supply definitely improves the performance of streaming to an external DAC.  I have found the improvement to be greater than adding an external supply to any of the DACs I have used.

kn

cutthroat's avatar
cutthroat
12 posts
 

Just get a Raspberry Pi Model 4 or 5 and load PiCorePlayer on it. This is a solution for under $100 that will play any file up to DSD512 using the USB output to a DAC of your Choice. This is a under $100 solution, so you can get this now instead of waiting until 2026 as you stated. 

Then if you decide to buy another streamer, you'll have something to compare it to. (And I'm betting that you would get better SQ, no matter how much you spend.

This is what I have been using for 10 years now, and I put my money into things that will actually have a large impact on Sound quality. You'll also have the most control over your streamer than anything else on the market. PiCorePlayer is Free software and is supported by a worldwide cadre of audio guys/ developers that use the software themselves. There are also hundreds of Plugins to customize your audio desires.

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