Streamer Recommendations

A word of advice. In order of criticality - speakers, amp, dac and streamer. 
 

As to a $2000 streamer - older model Lumin U1 may be? Aurender N150, Auralic Aries G1? 

@audphile1 I feel like  I have some decent equipment.  I do need a DAC and Streamer.  I have a few DAC's in mind. Does Lumin update the models but still keep the same model numbers?  Like you said an older model U1.  I have listed my equipment so far.

GR Research NX-Otica 

GR Research OB triple subs

SMc DNA .5 GT24 amp and SMc TLC2 GT 24 preamp

For that system I would suggest getting an all in one. Something like one of the hifi rosebunits used or eversolo for example. Start there on a used market. Upgrade when you are ready.

This used Innuos Zen would be a great choice at your budget level. It’s a very good streamer and comes with their outstanding Sense app that is arguably the best in the industry (and yes, the app matters a lot), and it also has onboard storage and disc drive so you can load your CDs into it and have all your music available at your fingertips. Pair this with a DAC that delivers the sound characteristics you’re looking for and you’ll be in great shape. Best of luck.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650163113-innuos-zen-mk3-2tb/

I would recommend a used Aurender. I still have an Aurender N100 in my headphone system. Excellent software, excellent build quality and first rate audiophile sound quality, as well as great service. I also own a Aurender W20SE ($22K) and have tried a number of streamers between $500 new to $20K in my system. Aurender is one of the premier audiophile brands and their flagships are typically used in high end audio shows as streaming source. 

Very soon the Bluesound Node Icon will be available. The software and dedicated customer service is really top notch. It is a balanced dual channel, dual DAC design and they have added a touchscreen for those who want it. It would be a great addition to an already established hi-fi system. I have a Vault, Node, Node2 and Node X. They have all performed far above my expectations. IMHO

@brbrock take a quick read on this thread https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/why-i-sold-my-aurender-n200

I'd suggest a dac with built-in streamer. Doesn't have to be a Bricasti there are many great combo units too choose. I'm sure some of the ones ghdprentice has noted are excellent but most are out of the average audiophiles budget. (Including mine)

I just bought an iFi Stream to use with Audirvana, a Bricasti DAC, and USB input. Works and sounds great. Fired-up first time when I pressed the on button, but I did watch setup videos.

@rsf507 there are too many variables to come to this conclusion. You can see my responses in that thread. So I wouldn’t run to dump dedicated streamers in favor of the inbuilt network renderer in DACs. Quick A/B, not being able to hear the difference, using Roon as a source I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference either.
Room sound quality is inferior to most native apps n higher end streamers including Lumin. It’s just that the Lumin app is so user unfriendly that you would opt for Roon simply for the sake of not being aggravated. But let’s not pop the cork yet. Careful listening proves a dedicated streamer is almost always a better option at least to my ears.

To add, Roon is absolutely amazing to use as it has the best UI available today. But I can’t say the same for its sound quality. Do Roon right with Grimm, Merging, etc and you’ll be in better shape but now we’re taking $15,000 - $30,000. 

I have tried Bluesound, Aurrender, and Innuos.

I ended with Innuos due to it being able to use Roon. I felt the Aurrender is a bit limited with what streaming apps you can use.

Though, sound wise, I think the Aurrender and Innuos are pretty close. Esp. in their lower end models.

Bob

I love my Innuos Zenith MK-3. It has a great interface 

it for sure sounds better then Roon 

if you want to rip any cd it has a excellent Teac drive a Solidstate drive under that 

and it has 3 independant Linear Power Supplies, the whole chassis,drives and even feet are built for vibration isolation  the less expensive Zen still has dual LPS power supplies  and Mundorfs best MLytic capacitors ,plus Nichicon and very good quality build throughout .some complain it is slightly warmer then neutral 

I am using the Exceptional Tubulus digital cables throughout , many digital records are not the best  with this combination Digital- Analog sound and still very good detail . Anthony at Perrotta consultants  excellent service as well as pricing.

Get an Innuos Pulse and be done with it.

No one mentioned the impressions with an Eversolo DMP-A8. I can do it for you. A double power unit, great DAC with AKMs, works with digital and analog outs, but it has its own great DAC. Beautiful large display! I have hooked it directly to the Benchmark AHB2 and power Focals Aria 948s. Great listening to Qobuz or Tidal.

The eversolo a 10 is out now 3600$ have not heard it yet but I like my a8.they are a great bang for the buck.fairly easy to use.enjoy the hunt.my a8 was 1800$  and I thought worth it