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Best streamers WITHOUT a DAC

A year or so I jumped into the streaming world with the Bluesound ecosystem.  Overall I'm very happy with it.  Still, I think I can do better than the Node 2i on my "reference" system, basically a vintage high end setup (Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 Mk III, Krell KBL,  ML no. 332, factory rebuilt Maggie MG 3a's).  I've compared the 2i's internal DAC with the SFD-2s and it isn't even close.  Not surprising, as the SFD-2 Mk III is certainly one of the best DACs ever made despite its age.  So, can anybody suggest a suitable DACless streamer?  Comments appreciated, thanks.

raueda1
ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

Aurender.

After years of iPods, iPads, Macs and PCs I finally bought an Auralic Aries G2, then an Aurrender N100, listened to a N10, and bought their flagship W20SE. Aurender understands how to build streamers. So does Linn. I recommend one of these. The best you can, then over time you might consider a Audio Research DAC. I used to own a sonic Frontiers CD player (with an SF DAC)… nice tone but short on details (very short)… the ARC will give you natural sound with tons more detail.

ei001h
287 posts
 

I think blue sound node is great, ease of use much better than anything else out there. Tidal connect works flawlessly, no need for proprietary apps, just get a better DAC and you will be all set. 

 

Alternatively, get an Aurender A100, it's a top of the line streamer with a very good dac 

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,588 posts
 

Lumin U1 and 432 EVO (that’s a brand from Belgium) are two that come to mind.

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