streaming devices, which would you buy?

Also, FWIW, streaming is GREAT. The ability to hear about new music from someone and immediately be able to hear that music is an amazing new experience. I’ve been able to discover more new music in a week than I used to discover in a year.

Just know that digital is just as finicky as a turntable in setup and components to sound good.

1. The Denafrips Pontus DAC was the first DAC I had heard that sounded anywhere close to the fullness and ease that I get out of my modest Linn Axis turntable with Benz-Micro MC Gold cartridge.
2. Also, some USB cables sound better than other.
3. Power matters, a lot. Certain power cables sound better than others
4. I turned off WiFi and the HDMI output on my Pro-ject streamer to go to a hard-wired Ethernet connection and that made the largest improvement of all in terms of clarity (lower noise floor) and dynamics.
5. Even the Ethernet cable made a very noticeable difference. 2nd only to going to the hard wired Ethernet connection.
6. Qobuz sounds best of the major streaming services. Primephonic is next best. Spotify Premium is decent. Tidal sounds absolutely terrible and Amazon HiFi is not much better. If it is helpful, I can share my listening impressions of each of these services.

The reason why digital components (as well as power sources and interconnects) are important is not that the digital bits are any different, but all of these can reduce the amount of digital jitter and analog noise (RF interference, power line noise, noise picked up from components in the Internet signal path).

All of this was a bit of work, BUT happily listening to great sounding music while working all day...PRICELESS.

I hope this was helpful to you, though I know went far beyond your original question about streamers.

I think this is a good time to jump into streaming. I jumped in on my headphone system 15 years ago and in and out on my main system, until the last couple years when it has equaled my analog side. .

I have done laptops / DAC. But a real streamer is far superior and much quieter. I recommend looking seriously at Aurender... a used one may bring it down into your price range... or wait until you can. The real trick is to get a good enough streamer and DAC such that it is as satisfying as your vinyl. I have an LP12 as well, so it is a fairly high bar. But well worth the investment. For the cost of buying one LP or one CD you can have access to a nearly infinite amount of music (Qubuz is best streaming service)... much of it of higher resolution than Red Book CD. Aurender A100? They have many... used would be a good way to go. These are solid audiophile pieces of equipment.

My streaming ‘ digital end is as satisfying to listen to as my LP12...which is pretty high end. Well worth the investment.



.

My experience is with the Node. The built in DAC is decent, but I use a MDHT Orchid with excellent results.

This is exactly what I did and the sound is glorious. A separate DAC is necessary, and I like the R2R approach a lot. In your price range, another DAC like this that people favor is the Border Patrol and the Audio G-D. Also popular is the Black Ice DAC. These are things I've gathered by reading about them -- I have not heard them. So, FWIW.

Calvinandhobbes...following up on your note on the quality of the Denafrips DAC. I may have a future interest in a new DAC and the Ares II caught my eye on their website but it seems their primary dealer is in Singapore. Are you aware of any dealers in the USA? Thanks.

@tgilb No, the only dealer is Vinshine in Singapore.  They have contracted two people to do US service though:

UNITED STATES - WEST COAST
​Sean Nauman
HifiHandyman
Licensed, Bonded, Insured WA Contractor
​Anacortes, WA 98221


UNITED STATES - EAST COAST
Macon P.
Audio Service Tech
Certified Audio Tech
Adjunct Automotive Electronics College Instructor
SC 29150 USA