For those that have separate Streamers & DACS


What are some of your favorite streamers/servers strictly from a sound quality perspective?  Please assume a stand-alone DAC.  I've read such a variety of opinions on streamers and was interested in opinions from those that have tried different streamers on with their DACs.  

badgerdms

@verdantaudio For whatever reason, I couldn't get my network to see the M3.  I rebooted the router and switches three times, restarted the Innuos and tried connecting via the Innuos ethernet direct connection as well as other places on the network.  I'm perplexed as to why I could not get it to connect, but was also running out of time on the demo so had to use the USB input for my comparisons.  My short answer (as demoed) is that I really like the Bricasti but it's not a perfect match with the Fleetwood Deville's.  Thanks for all the suggestions! 

just as another data point, i have had no problems with the network connection and visibility with my m1 se using network card

I started with a Bluesound N130 w/ PD Creative power supply, and that fed via coax to a Denafrips Venus 2 and then a Terminator Plus. Overall I was happy with it and for the price, the Bluesound was pretty darn good as a pure streamer. BlueOS has its quirks but overall I thought it was good (on Android devices).

 

I then recently got a Lumin U1 (from an Audiogon member) feeding the Terminator Plus first via coax then via AES. It wasn't a night and day difference compared to the Bluesound, but it was a substantial and noticeable improvement across the board. Everything improved, particularly soundstage, bass, midrange, and separation. I'm still learning the Lumin app but it's ok, some things I like more about it than BlueOS some things I don't. 

 

But overall I am very content, and I too was specifically looking for a pure streamer as I like having external DACs to allow for changes on that end in the future (if desired).

I have a 10th gen i7 NUC and iFi Zen with their top power supply..which is still a switching supply (worth the expense). I will be eliminating the NUC’s fan. This feeds a McIntosh MA12000. If I put more money into this chain it will be to upgrade the D/A. I’m not convinced that more invested in the NUC will provide better sound. Upgrade the iFi maybe.