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Advice on my first Streamer/Ripper/Dac

I am a live, studio, and broadcast sound engineer and musician, entering my 3rd year of home hifi. I have a Denon AVR x2300w for HT and Music, with Klipsch RP-5000 towers and a sub for music. I'm looking at my first streamer/ripper/DAC and would like to rip my cd collection. Will plan to eventually upgrade the DAC. So after a billion reviews and research trying to decide on Bluesound Vault 2i or Zen Mini MKiii with LPSU, both with their built in DAC’s to start?  But for sound quality, and operationally without Roon, and considering my current system what would you all recommend?  It would be great to hear from owners of both. And especially if anyone feels like the added power supply to the Zen Mini made a significant difference. The initial difference for this is about $700, which is significant for me, but worth it if the SQ is there. I will also be adding an inherited modded vintage Sansui 2000x for music with an SVS SB 2000 or 3000 in the near future. So there’s that.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts!


dsw1887
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,595 posts
 
For most streaming freshmen I would recommend the BluSound but for a pro the ZenMini is a better start.
A Teddy Pardo PSU would work magic too.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
I've had the Node 2i for a while, but am coming around to accepting that I can do better. 

@soix or others: Can you briefly explain why the LPSU is important in the Zen Mini or in any other streamer? 

A good friend in Italy built his own streamer/server using two simple computer, an optical connection, and an LPSU. He told me the LPSU was the biggest cost and the most important factor.
dsw1887 OP
1 posts
 
Thanks so much @fuzztone and @soix for your responses.            

@fuzztone and @soix - so I have been streaming hi res for about 2 years with a Qobuz subscription after Spotify just wasn't cutting it on my modest system.  I've been running it from an Iphone Xs - Audioquest Cinnamon lightning to USB-A cable into the USB input on my AVR.  Obviously can do better, but this was my start.  I've used pro-audio Radial USB DAC's and others for broadcast events for audio from Macbook pros running Playback Pro.  So, I'm really just starting with streaming, but pro-audio background with much digital and analog gear for 15+ years.  
Covid has given me much time to research and learn all about all of it. so my follow up questions: 

My priorities are def #1 SQ, and #2  Operational

1 - With my system would the Zen or Vault make more sense - using their built in DAC's, without any power supply changes.   And then the Zen with built in DAC and LPSU or Teddy Pardo.  I won't be able to afford an external DAC for awhile.

2 - And the Teddy Pardo I've seen referenced before.  You believe it would do as well with the Zen as their branded LPSU?   

3 -  Would Teddy Pardo do well for Vault?

4 - Have you operated and heard both of these streamers in their various setup possibilities, alone, with power supplies, with external DAC's?
There really isn't an easy way for me to audition both of them in my system.   I can get a Vault 2i with ability to return in 60 days, but the Zen Mini I don't see a way to do.  I just don't want to get the Vault, and then wish I had spend the extra $700 for the Zen with Power supply.



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