Need recommendations for a streamer

@juanmanuelfangioii 

You have a truly outstanding DAC in the Sim 680D.  It compares quite well with anything near it’s price range in my view. However, If you want to take it’s performance to an even higher level, try auditioning it with an outboard streamer (obviously well above something like the Node 2 and the like).  I took my Auralic Aries G2 to a Sim dealer and we did this exact comparison.  Even the dealer (doesn’t sell Auralic) had to admit that it very substantially improved things.  That experience was enlightening to me. 

Best,

Pre-owned BRYSTON as a prime choice.

Sure …. Budgets ALWAYS matter big time ..,, BUT ….You do not have to buy new,

You start gettting stepped-up audio performance improvement delineation at an approx.> $3000-and- up MSRP price-point . That’s where their superior parts, and their high-end performance linear power supplies (either built-in or external) and their top-end build quality manifests itself. And it exhibits itself further in that they offer later high trade-in / upgrade values )

(Hint: it’s the budget and mid level models that form the huge chunk of the forum audio performance warts and perceived further upgrading wants)

I am also looking for streamer to hook up to my Esoteric K-03XD dac. I bet usb is the best connection than digital Coaxial and Optical. Am I correct? 

I am looking at " LUMIN U2 Mini Digital Transport/Streamer cost abt US$2000" and the "Ifi Zen Stream with its  iPower Elite cost abt US$700" 

Both are great products. Ifi Zen with its  iPower Elite / other LPS will give a better sounding streamer than without. I dont know how it compares to the amazing Lumin U2 which is a new product from Lumin replac the U1. 

I read several reports of users having problems using the Ifi Zen streamer. The properietory softwares is unstable. 
Any read or encounter such? 
Basically I wld want this streamer to connect to my K-03XD dac to stream Tidal and also from my NAS. 

Any input on those 2 is greatly appreciated. 

Anyone still using (still available?) an Elac, Discovery? I use mine hardwired to a Mac AirPort Express wirelessly connected to another AirPort that's hardwired to my router. Have a BNC to RCA Coax connection (various better cables) to a Line Magnetic DAC. The result is shocking great. For $1K is a wonderful piece. Comes with a abbreviated version of Roon too with a lifetime subscription. Couldn't be happier with the product and features, actual high performance AND value. 

Thank you, all, for the great constructive responses. It has been quite an education, clarifying many things and raising new questions as my understanding of the topic grows.

It sounds like what I need to do to optimize my streaming system is

1. Hardwire my streamer

2. Get a linear power supply

3. Invest in an ethernet switch

4. Consider a digital to digital converter

Do I have that right, and did I prioritize/sequence them correctly?