Apple iPad music streamer

An easy option for a wired connection is just to get a wall wart WiFi extender with an Ethernet port on the side (~$50) . Locate next to your system, plug in your streamer. I have heard many +$100K systems connected this way including my own systems. Works great, so running wire not required. Want to improve it you can connect a EtherRegen to the line from the extrender… but a good streamer takes care of the bits.

My system uses an iMac via USB to a HOLO DAC and sounds incredible to me. Guests always comment how great sounding the system is.

After many times reading about others that switched from iPads, Macs, pc, to dedicated streamers, with noticeable improvements, it's time to erase the question in my mind. 

I connected a MacBook pro USB out to a Intona isolator then to a external DAC. I used Audirvana to play Qobuz and DSD. It sounded very nice but I'm thinking the MacBook is a noisy transport. So, this journey continues, a Node is on the way. I am trying to find a reseller that will let me audition a Arualic or Aurender in my music room. 

@fthompson251

Just got the Aurender N200, an upgrade from the Bluesound Vault. Really nice and enjoying it immensely. 

OP,

My Aurender W20SE is $22K. I was concerned about the cost until I put it in my system…. It is a bargain. I immediately was thankful that I didn’t go for a lessor model.

Your thinking is in the right place… battery is quiet. The Aurender uses a battery to power the audio portion to minimize noise… it works. MACs / PCs too noisy. A good streamer is built up from the ground floor to be quiet.