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
bgross's avatar
bgross
403 posts
 

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. 

cowhorn OP
22 posts
 

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?

 

 

danager's avatar
danager
958 posts
 

Ted Smith of PS Audio fame. (Created the DirectStream Dac)  when asked:

Ted … would a powered USB hub connected to a linear power supply address the USB noise issue?

It will help compared to the typical noisy USB supplies in computers and the wall wart USB hub supplies. You only want the DS on the USB hub with a linear supply and you want to use a shorter USB cable there (6’ or whatever, not 15’.)

 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
991 posts
 

t 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

Digital to digital converter ?

danager's avatar
danager
958 posts
 

digital to digital: USB to AES/EBU or I2s or...

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