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Audiophile quality streamer/server-in-one without a DAC. Does this exist?

I have a very simple system and want to upgrade my digital player which is currently my  5 year old Acer laptop.  I listen to Tidal a lot.  Sometimes I listen to high-res downloads (I only have about 20) and ripped FLAC albums (only about 100) stored on my Acer  and play them using JRiver 19.  That's about it.

My system is a Wyred 4 Sound Dac-2 plugged directly into a Wyred 4 Sound ST-500 power amp which is paired to a pair of KEF LS-50.  My Acer is my only source component.  

My question is this: is there an all-in-one digital source that can replace my computer as a server and streamer?  I don't need a DAC and I don't want several more pieces, peripherals, power supplies, etc.  I don't want to make my own.  My wife will tell you I'm not talented enough to do so.  I would agree with her.

Seriously, I just want one box that can do the same friggin thing as my computer but better.  I don't think I want a Apple computer either as I know that is a good solution for many.  

I feel ridiculous asking if there is something out there like this, but I either don't see it or my request is akin to looking for unicorns.  I'm ok with either answer.  Just hit me with the truth or some recommendations.

Thank you, Josh    


joshelston
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,653 posts
 
for the money i think your first poster was spot on the bluesound vault 2 will do everything you need even though its got a dac just by pass it. its a good piece for future upgrades down the road. and the fact you can stream tidal from it controlled from their app which is pretty good as far as app's go.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Ditto on Bluesound

sfall
346 posts
 
This might work for you.

http://www.resolutionaudio.com/?page_id=63
mrotino
66 posts
 

I have also been using a modified Wyred for sound Sonos connect for the past few months with an external DAC.  There is no comparison between the stock Sonos connect digital output and the modified Sonos connect digital output, the modified digital output is much better and smoother. 

I would say the modified sonos digital output is on par with my excellent dedicated cd transport which I thought would not be possible so I've been streaming tidal much more frequently through the modified connect than listening to CDs these days.

The only downside is the sonos connect does not stream high resolution files which is fine with me as I only needed it for Tidal streaming and am not interested in high resolution files.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,425 posts
 
@joshelston,  As far setup goes, I started off with SONOS connect paired to Krell processor, then Aurender N100H / Modwright Elyse DAC.  And now, Aurender N10 with Audio Research DAC9. 

SONOS connect is a very versatile player and like others say, W4S Mod is well worth it if you have no desire to listen to high res files.  

I love the Aurender sound, so much so that I end up upgrading to N10. It's the most neutral sounding streamer, IMHO.  If you're going to spend mega bucks on a streamer, I would also look at streamers from Antipodes.  

You can find used N100H under $2K. I believe you will be very happy as long as you pair it with a decent SS or Tube DAC. Aurender app is best in the business outside 'fancy' Roon app. 
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