2. digital
  3. 166624-110476

Streamer upgrade

I need recommendations for a new streamer that will replace my Sonos Connect.  The rest of the system, developed largely from AG recommendations, consists of Fritz speakers, driven by a Primaluna EVO100 integrated. Sources are a Clearaudio Concept table and Cambridge Audio CD transport through a Schitt Bifrost (also handling DAC duties for the Sonos).  I'm using Amazon HD as a streaming source right now.  This system doesn't need to integrate with  my other Sonos speakers.  It's my intention that this be an end-game system, so I'm looking for a streamer that's appropriate to its level rather than something that's going to lead me down the path of perpetually upgrading other components.  Price is a secondary concern, used gear is fine.

Thanks for any advice - truly appreciated, and I'm grateful for all of the forum help I've received in the past.
philiptamarkin
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
950 posts
 
+1 on the Qobuz. I been through Spotify,Deezer ...Settled in a qobuz now and been here for over a year. Been through Sonos as well.

Here is what I would explore along with all the other "Myriad" options.

Small Green Computer hosting a Roon Server on an Sonictransport i5. Then microRendu via a LAN connection. Then USB to your Bitfrost.

$1k for the i5$400 for the Rendu$140/year for Roon or $700 for liftime license.
Upgrade the Bitfrost to up the game.
Note. Roon will see that old Sonos as and endpoint. I put mine in the garage and added a cheap amp off Craigslist and some on sale polk audios book shelfs.

Note2:  if you want to go whole hog use the Optical Rendu endpoint.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHrNTi5hPwc







arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,647 posts
 
+1 on opticalRendu 

I have been using one for more than a year in my main system and find it to be a substantial improvement compared to Node 2i in my office system. Its calling card is a much lowered noise floor.

But if cost is not an issue, also consider Lumin U1, Aurender N10, Sonore Signature Rendu SE, or Wolf Audio Luna R. I'm leaning heavily in the direction of Luna R Digital if and when funds become available.
lxgreen's avatar
lxgreen
66 posts
 
I started with a microrendu and then made my way up to the top of line signature renduSE optical. I think it all depends on your budget. I thoroughly enjoyed the microrendu. The more expensive units do add to the sq but you pay for each step. Btw, in regards to the upper models, I thought the optical rendu was very very close to the signature rendu se optical so if you did want to increase your budget I think you can stop at the optical rendu, a true reference level streamer. I also second the small green computer for their I5 Roon core server. High quality and good support. You can add additional sq by using a quality linear ps for the server and rendus. Plus I’ve seen all of these on sale used 
willgolf
933 posts
 
Lumin  -- I have had the D2, A-1, X-1 and just purchased a U-1 mini. There is one for any budget but if you can step up the X-1 is definitely reference quality Dac/Streamer.  The app is super easy to use.  You do not need Roon or JRiver.  I know there is a thread devoted to the Lumin X-1.  You should read it.
ghdprentice
6,791 posts
 
+1 Qubuz
More to discover