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Looking for best streamer without DAC under $3500

I currently run Metrum Ambre with Metrum Onyx and really enjoy it, but am looking to upgrade to a better streamer that has spotify among other aps. Currently looking at Lumin U1 mini, Auralic, etc.

Curious what others think
justjames72
rushfan71
296 posts
 
Just James, Here's a suggestion. Keep the Metrum Ambre. There is an SD card  inside with Roon on it that can be changed to an SD card with one of many streaming programs or services.Take $3299.99 and buy a Sonnet Morpheus DAC. You will be blown away! This is the engineer/owner of Metrum's new company. (Cees Ruetenburg) A continuation of his R2R technology. Same I2S connection as Ambre. Then sell the Onyx and pocket the cash!
badger_erich's avatar
badger_erich
132 posts
 
Me...I'm on the cheap side of things. If I was looking for something which is a pure streamer, I would probably go with a Zen Mini and add the power supply. Darko loved it......
ghjuvanni
92 posts
 
+1 rbstehno

For under $3.5k?  Easy, just get Node 2i for $500 and enjoy the $3k you save. Seriously. You need good user interface and functionality, such as ability to integrate with streaming services, external disk, user interface to play your selections. Like @rbstehno said, this is just a specialized computer. $3.5 is more than you'd pay for the newest full-featured MacBook Pro!
4425
861 posts
 
I’d look hard at a used Aurender ACS10 which has a built in ripper and sounds great. Excellent build and the operating program is great. It’s an elegant solution if it fits your bill but it will need to be used to be near budget. 
ddude003
161 posts
 
My Lumin U1 mini works exceptionally well with my Chord Qutest as a Roon endpoint streaming Qobuz or local files from my MacBook or Qobuz or local files from my iPhone Lumin App...  It just always works...
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