What are you using as a streamer? Constructive feedback please.


Wondering what improvements I can made to my streaming end and what you all are using.

Not looking to rip CDs and I mostly listen to vinyl.

System right now is:

Node 2 (latest version used streaming only with Roon)

Bel Canto e.One ref DAC 2.7

Bel Canto e.One ref CD3t Transport.

Bel Canto e.One ref 501S (best Class D to date to ever grace my system)

Mini GaN 5 ( had to try it and swap it in and out)

AM Qualiton X200 Tube Integrated (love it and gets most use)

QLN Prestige 5 Speakers.

All cables and wires are Signal Cable.

Appreciate the constructive feedback.

Have a great day.

 

 

128x128jerryg123

@jerryg123 -- do you have a specific price point in mind? I currently have three streamers in my systems. Bluesound Node 2i (listed for sale on this site), Sonore opticalRendu, and Innuos Zenith MK3. I also did in-home auditions of the following models in the last 36 months: Lumin U1 Mini (with Sbooster LPS), Lumin U1, Innuos Zen Mini, Sonore MicroRendu, and Cambridge Audio CXN v2.

I think the key question you should ask yourself is what kind of sound signature you’re after. For example my goal, after listening to a friend’s very well sorted vinyl rig, since last year has been to get closer to the analog sound but without the associated hassles.

If your budget is under $2k then I can heartily recommend Sonore opticalRendu. It was a big step up from Node 2i. The fiber optics conversion allows the noise floor to reduce considerably and lets you hear more into your music. I still use this streamer in my second system and feel that it is great value for the money. At least in my experience, the opticalRendu is better than Innuos Zen Mini and Lumin U1 Mini.

I use Innuos Zenith MK3 (paired with Network Acoustic Eno passive filter) in my main system. At first, I didn’t find it any better than opticalRendu, but as I put more hours on the Zenith it has clearly surpassed the opticalRendu. However, I will say that the opticalRendu is still no slouch.

The Innuos Zenith MK3 + Eno has pretty much taken care of most of the usual digital gremlins in my system. It sounds smooth yet rich, detailed, and three dimensional. It is very good in creating a realistic sense of space and ambience especially on genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic music. In short, it allows me to connect with my music at a more emotional level.

I know Lumin gets a lot of love on these forums, but I for some reason never warmed up to its sound signature. But of course, all this is system dependent.

Hope this helps.

I went from a Vault 2i to a Auralic Aries G1 and have been very happy with the upgrade.

I tried the Lumin U1 Mini and not only did I not like the sound but their app if horrible. I see you use Roon which eliminates my latter complaint but the sound of it wasn't for me.

In acquired order I use:
Bluesound Node N100        BluOS
miniDSP SHD Studio          Volumio Custom
Magna Mano Ultra               Orange Squeeze/LMS
Pro-Ject S Ultra                   Volumio Custom
Allo USBridge into Matrix 2   Orange Squeeze/LMS
Ras Pi 3 into Topping D10s   Orange Squeeze/LMS

BluOS is by far the worst, the Pro-Ject version is more restricted
Orange Squeeze is by far the most customizable

DoWhatYaLike