Streamer creates a Wow experience

I recently bought a Singxer SU-6, but I use it in place of a streamer. Not sure this would work for you as mine is fed from Roon running on a Mac Mini, so I don't actually need my streaming device to be able to connect directly to the streaming service.

The Singxer is my fourth try at a bridge device between the Mac and my DAC. I have tried the Zen Stream and agree that it sounded good even though I was only using the standard power supply. I just decided I wasn't happy with the limited output types and returned it. Before that I tried the Bricasti M5, a device that retails for 6X the cost of the Zen Stream. While the build quality was impeccable it would not send an audio signal to my DAC (Yggdrasil LiM) via USB. At the time I was committed to using the USB input on the DAC as Schiit is known to have a thoroughly sorted USB interface, especially now with Unison. The Zen Stream also wouldn't do it. I also tried the brand new Mercury streamer from Pi2Design and it was fairly disastrous. Only one output worked and even it sounded pretty awful. I think they have some bugs to work out and it may be a fine unit when they do.

Enter the Singxer. I gave up on the USB input on my DAC and liked that the Singxer offered a balanced AES output as I use balanced connections throughout the rest of my system. Would love to try the I2S connection, but alas, the Yggy doesn't offer that. From what I've read, it would not be a night and day difference anyway. Roon recognized the Singxer right away as a bridge device and it just worked from the jump. One note; you may be aware that the Singxer has user-adjustable dip switches. I didn't ever read anything definitive on setting them specifically for Roon so I just didn't touch them and it worked fine. If anyone knows some dip switch settings for this I'm willing to try them.

I've been pleased enough with the Singxer that I'm tempted to buy a LPS for it, but from what I understand, there's not much to be gained there as the Singxer is primarily powered from it's super capacitor. Indeed, there are warnings in the box about how this takes a few minutes to power up and down. Again, something I might be willing to try if someone has specific experience with this.

I expect you'll be quite happy with the Singxer. I just thought I'd inform everyone of it's ability to replace the streaming device in some instances.

hey that’s awesome you’re in love with your new set up! Enjoy it!!
When are you getting a DDC? Keep the thoughts flowing…update us here on how that changed the sound.

@audphile1 Man, I’m absolutely aching for an SU6 and I even already have a 6” HDMI cable ready to go for when I get one as I know it’s gonna generate meaningful improvements. The thing is my credit card is already throbbing from building a HeadFi system, buying an LTA MZ2 (for both preamp and headphone amp duties), and sending my DNA 0.5 RevA back to SMcAudio for full upgrades. Ouch. It might be a while before I can shell out for anything else, but I’ll certainly keep you posted if anything develops. I hate/love this hobby.

@shooter41 Yeah, I have a Singxer SA1 amp driving my Hifiman Arya Stealths and absolutely love it, and it too is built like a small tank and is why I’m targeting the SU6 for a DDC to take advantage of the i2S connection on my Musician Pegasus.  Big Singxer fan so far. 

@soix Congrats so glad your venture into streaming went well, And + 1 on the LPS issue I use an Sbooster LPS on my Auralic Aries Mini its a substantial improvement. Sounds like the Ifi's a nice little unit and did a bit of reading on your Dac that's quite a machine for $1100!

@jond Thanks man.  So far I’ve only gotten to hear this stuff on my HeadFi rig and it made a big improvement.  I get my DNA 0.5 back from SMcAudio very soon and can’t wait to hear this gear in the big rig. 

@soix 

nice post helping others on using qobuz with the zenstream - if i didn't use roon, i would've had to cross that bridge myself

excellent info