Suggestions for a streamer only (I have a great DAC)


I have a dCS Paganini DAC and Paganini Clock. I’m looking for a streamer only to pair with the Paganini to stream via Tidal.  That’s it, I don’t need a streamer/DAC/etc.  I don’t want to extra for pay for redundancy.  Any good suggestions on a streamer only  that you have paired to a high end DAC with good results would be appreciated. 

 

PLEASE no “try some at home on your system” responses …. that’s the reason I came here, for some recommendations. Price range $1500-$5000.

 

Thanks!

naperaudio

Consider a used Aurender N10.   I found mine used from a dealer for $4,500.  It's been a huge jump up in sound quality vs. the entry level streamers I used previously.  One word of caution... I recommend you have a hardwired ethernet connection to your modem, as I ran into frustrating compatibility issues attempting to use wireless bridges.  YMMV.

Hey guys,

As always, thanks for all the input! 
I guess providing a little more insight into my system and how I will use the “streamer” would help.

 

First of all, I have simplified my main system over the past year.  Got rid of a good analog set up (just didn’t use it) and now just have the dCS Puccini DAC & Master Clock connected to Esoteric CD Player (also connected to the Master Clock). I have about 800 CD’s.  Don’t use a server an am VERY COMPUTER ILLITERATE  when it comes to pairing up with computers and audio devices. 
 

I wanted to get a good streamer to experience new music. As mentioned, I think my DAC is good, so I don’t need a streamer with a dac. 
 

ghdprentice … Great choice, but I don’t want to quite invest $22,000 on a top end streamer for something that is not going to be used all the time.

 

raysmtb1 … could be interested. Send me a message with price & details.

 

mike -in-nc … dCS ‘used’ to make a network bridge (streamer) but it was discontinued and now tough to find on used market. I have heard of people not liking the Auralic software music management (Lightning?). Do you like it?
 

verdantaudio …. Excellent questions! The only other streamer I had tried a while ago was a Lumin T1. I liked the sound but found the Lumin music management not intuitive and clumsy to use. Roon sounds interesting but I have heard you must pair it to a pc. I have an older desktop pc but don’t want to interact with it at all … everything I do via computer is on my IPAD. 

 

Hope this helps …. 
David 


 

 

I tried dCS network bridge for a couple of weeks. It is good. A lot of details. I however went another path and invested in a Theoretica Applied Physics Bacch SP- Adio. It is in addition to a streamer, a DAC and a preamp and a 3D sound processor. Goes without saying it outperformed the dCS solution with 50% maybe more.

Good luck! 

I may add the dCS network bridge run on Mosaic, a software you are familiar with from your other dCS products. Mosaic was ok as a software. If I had the the dCS set up you have I would not look any further. There are still a few in stock here and there, although the model is dis-continued. You can probably pick up one in the 2nd hand market for an affordable price. 

One other note …..

A friend mentioned that he was very impressed with an Innous Zen Mk 3. Any thoughts/experiences with Innuos?