Network streamer recommendation without a dac/amp (pure streamer), under $4k

You should also put the Aurender N100 on your short list.  I have one, and in direct comparison to the Lumin U1 Mini (on a very good system at the dealer), we all agreed that the Aurender was clearly superior.  

It should be noted, however, we compared the Aurender via USB (my units only output) to the Lumin U1 mini via it’s SPDIF output (on a Nordost Heimdahl cable).  I mention this because the inputs on a DAC make a difference.  It’s possible the USB interface on that DAC was better (Marantz SA-10) than it’s coax interface - meaning the difference was at the DAC.  In any case, the Aurender had a more open soundstage.  The Lumin was slightly “flatter” in that regard.  

I also have an Auralic Aries G2 in another system and it’s certainly another  step up over the Aurender N100  Please note, I didn’t audition the G1.  

Regarding sonic characteristics, my experiences (I also have a Bluesound Node 2 going into an outboard DAC in another system and replaced a Node 2 w/ the Auralic G2 in the other system) suggests that frequency response and smoothness are pretty similar across most units.  However, the better units provide more detail and more “openness”. They’re easier to listen to.  Lesser units, as noted before, tend to flatten soundstage depth and width.

Hope this helps.
Best,  

Thanks guys.

I don't want aurender since it doesn't have roon support.

Aries G2 is interesting to me. I have no local dealer though.

What do you guys think of simaudio mind 2 or bryston bdp 2 or 3?

I believe Audio Advisor has a 30-day return policy.  I do think you'd be hard pressed to find anything better in your price range than the Aries G2.

@smodtactical I am definitely going to get something that allows me to go optical from Ethernet. One way is to buy an Ethernet switch that has an optical outlet (approx. $100). Then buy a cheapo optical (not toslink) wire to go directly into a DAC. Only DAC I am aware of is feature is the LUMIN X1 which has an optical input. I see that DAC sold here used for $8K. Now the benefit behind the optical connect is that it cannot carry audio noise. So you eliminate the noise in the streaming at the source.

Now if I cannot find a used X1 or cannot afford a new X1 the Sonore System Optique is the way I will go. I have not read the review I posted above but I have been following the Sonore developments on Computer Audiophile via the egg heads over there. With the Sonore solution I would need to buy an additional DAC.

No optical, but another lesser known option is the magna mano streamer. If you've got an i2s input on your dac, it's one of the few ways to get that output option (same i2s configuration as ps audio uses).