2. digital
  3. 179080-171520

Need recommendations for a streamer

I would like to upgrade from a Bluesound Node to a higher quality streamer.

 

The Node sounds fine with my current system, but I am making a second system for my wife, and the Node is going to that new system. I thought I would take the opportunity to upgrade my streamer at this time.

 

My criteria are that it be a streamer only (no DAC/storage/CD player, etc), be able to hook into wi-fi/cloud without a physical wire/connection, have balanced outputs to go to my DAC, and cost less than 2,500 USD. Can anybody think of a streamer that fits this bill?

 

The rest of my system:

DAC: Terminator II

Preamp: Schiit Freya+

Amps: PS Audio M1200 x 2

Speakers: Thiel CS 2.3

 

Thanks.

cowhorn
larryro2
137 posts
 

I’m using a Cambridge Audio CXNV2 

and it’s  great- it works - upgrading is easy-

I’m hard wired to the internet router

sometimes the signal is awesome 

most of the time the signal is awful!

this morning real early I was listening to a broadcast and the system never sounded so good! 
 

the moral- poor signal poor sound quality!

So if you are an internet listener  don’t spend a fortune

since  the quality of the source and the quality of the signal will 

be critical

 

 

byner
12 posts
 

I have a zen blue and I love it. Easy to us and great sound.

woodsworld
22 posts
 

The SMSL SD-9 is a excellent streamer with USB and I2S outputs and connects to the internet wired or wireless. I use the USB output to a USB to I2S adapter to my Musician Pegasus DAC. You can use Bubble UPnP to connect your Tidal and Qobuz accounts to stream through the SD-9. All this for $399 

hshifi
572 posts
 

Hello,

I really love the Bluos app. I wish they would come out with a full size big brother to the NODE with LPS and balanced/ ABS/EBU outputs. Until they do that I will suggest a Lumin U1mini since they just upgraded it. If you have a few more bucks then just go for the U2mini. It is just a really great streamer. The app works very well too. Later you can add a LPS to upgrade the performance. See if you have a dealer in your area who will let you do an in home demo. If you are in the Chicagoland area Holm Audio in Woodridge, IL lets you try before you buy. If you are not from that area you can check out the website to find a local retailer. If you are looking for a little smaller footprint then TEAC makes one too using the same app either under the TEAC APP or the Lumin App. I hope this helps. 

vthokie83
848 posts
 

Since you have the Terminator Plus, I’d certainly talk to Alvin Chee at Vinshine…..pretty sure he’d recommend a Denafrips DDC. As long as you bypass the internal DAC, you might be satisfied with the new Node (130). I am with a Pontus II, though I have purchased a Denafrips Iris DDC that I’ll hook up in a couple of weeks….hopefully will take things to an even higher level

 

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