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

SBooster makes an  adapter for Lumin that allows you to hook up a LPS.  I upgraded the power supply on my Node 2i and it made lots of improvement.  I used a PD Creative board.  They also make Power Supply improvement for U1 mini.. Might affect warranty.  Just food for thought. . 

Yeah, I'll certainly be doing the SBooster thing before long.  As for the rest, I'm quite satisfied with the Lumin at this point.  Obviously the Aurender stuff has a lot of very passionate advocates, but upgrading the SFD-2 just doesn't make sense as long as it works.  To be clear, it's the MKIII version which is vastly different from the others.  It also went back to Parts Connexion a few years ago for further and fancier upgrades.  Detail is mind boggling and it's not at all a weak link.  In fact, at this point I'm hard pressed to find any weak link in the system that wouldn't cost a fortune for only miniscule improvements, if any.  In any case, thanks to all.   The Lumin has greatly improved my life.

Next project:  retweaking speakers.  After fixing/recapping the preamp the bass was "fixed" too.  I'd forgotten what it originally sounded like.  That's all a topic for another thread.

OP,

 

Congratulations! It’s a great feeling isn’t it? There is always the anticipation and fear after spending all that money. But that is why there are $500 through $25K+ streamers.