Need recommendations for a streamer

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. 

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

I used Bryston BDP-3 checks all those boxes I think.  I also agree with previous post that a mesh network with a hardwired node at you rig has worked well for me.

I currently/recently have the same interest in getting a streamer only to existing dac, coming from the Bluesound. I did a head to head comparison between the Bluesound and a Lumin u2 mini. Every part of me wanted to say, these will be identical or close to identical and it’s not worth the extra cash outlay. But to my chagrin, the Lumin was audibly better in terms of “tonal saturation” (whatever that means. It went from grey and hard to analog color sound), slightly cleaner treble and more open, smooth sound. Basically it decreased digititis almost completely. I believe they are priced at $2400. The app was excellent and IMO superior to Bluesound OS. 

I couldn’t stomach the cost at this time however so I am about to try the ifi zen. We will see…

good luck. Check out Lumin if you have the funds. It was really great and left me wishing I could justify the spend. 

I’ve been very happy with my Cambridge Audio 851N. Discomuntinued but you can find them for about a grand. I also just bought  a Cambridge Evo 75 for a little second system in the living room.  Very happy with the streaming and their Streammagic ap is reliable and not bad. I stream Qobuz and run a NAS with ripped files.