Music streamers

solarjam

cleeds-- I have no doubt you had problems with your Aurender .
Every manufacturer has a lemon once in a while.

Quite so, no doubt. My issues with the Aurender were only in part the actual product - which I do not think was a lemon - but also the indifferent support. And to be fair, many users praise Aurender support. But my experience with them unsatisfactory.

I’m spoiled, though, because for decades I’ve had excellent support from companies such as Bryston, Grado, ARC and McIntosh. In years past, I received excellent support from Infinity, Tandberg, Nakamichi and PS Audio. In my experience, Aurender isn’t in their class. Not even close.

+1 Aurender.

I’ve had the N100C. IMHO - It was an excellent sounding and functioning streamer.
I recommend it highly.

OP - depending on your set up, you should be able to derive better performance with a dedicated/quality steamer.  Aurender should be a consideration if you have budget. 

Cheers.

cleeds

Feedback like yours on the Aurender was what steered me away from them. I get that their Conductor app is good, if you don’t want Roon, but if you decide you want Roon later you’re SOL. I’m kind of blown away that the $20,000 Aurender is a top AbSound pick. Something had better be as reliable as a crowbar for that kind of money. I wasn't willing to take a chance.

Yes

No recommendations without further info. They all do somethings better OR not at all.
The five I ended up with range from $250 to $1100
If you just want to pay for Roon a Metrum Baby Ambre or a USBridge Signature will get you there ~$400
Much better than a dirty computer.

Last night I streamed from my iPhone to ROON via AirPlay2 to my brand new Matrix Mini-i 3 Pro DAC. Sounded very good.

I also streamed directly from my computer using Toslink to the same Matrix. It was also rather good.

I also streamed from a Sonore microREndu to the USB-C input on the Matrix. That also sounded very good.

In the past (5 years ago) it was easy for me to tell the difference between such comparisons. However, yesterday it was a bit difficult. 

The Matrix DAC I just got has RJ45 connectivity, Wifi, AirPlay2, something that works on Android. I am waiting on ROON Certification so I can use RJ45 Ethernet directly.

I am currently listening to my Sonore microRendu into my Benchmark DAC3B. It sounds better a bit better. I am not sure if it is the streamer, DAC, or combination of the two. The difference however do not seem that large vs the Matrix ($900 MSRP).

DAC inputs must really be improved these days, at least on the Matrix. A lot of headphone folks are connecting directly to their DACs from a computer. I was thinking that is pretty bad but I am not so sure today.