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If you’ve heard an iFi Zen stream, anything better under $1k?

What is the best streamer under $1k? Used included.

I had an iFi Zen stream when they first came out and I put it up against a node 2i and a pi4 and it sounded the best by far using the same external DAC for each. The issue was that it was as buggy as can be but I’ve heard they are a bit better now.

it’s a steal at $400 even if you spend another $100-$200 on a better power supply but has anyone heard better?

blkwrxwgn
soix
9,830 posts
 

I don’t know, but I’d think the ProJect Stream Box is also pretty good (Pi based) but also a bit more expensive. Be interesting if anyone’s compared the two. The new Node is supposed to sound better too, ugh. I’m leaning to the iFi for sound quality and price, but I need to do more research too. It’s like shooting at a moving target — things are moving so fast in this area.

blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 

Not sure what ProJect can provide outside of any other Pi based setup, not sure though. 

I haven't listened to another streamer though that is above even $600, so I'm not experienced enough here.

soix
9,830 posts
 

Not sure what ProJect can provide outside of any other Pi based setup, not sure though

From what I read they add a lot of tweaks that we could probably do but likely wouldn’t.  Could be wrong, but ProJect knows a helluva lot more than I do so I’d bet they’re adding some pretty significant value.  Just a guess though.  But, and like I tell my wife it’s a big butt, how it compares to the iFi at about half the cost is the big question, at least to me.  Again, I’m strongly leaning to the iFi but am willing to learn as well. 

mahler123
3,446 posts
 

No one has mentioned the Node yet?

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