Best Dedicated Streamer

I agree with fastfreight

Roon or not? I LOVE Roon and can’t imagine not using it. If I wanted a streamer that wasn’t Roon-capable, I would get an Aurender. Their Conductor app is the best one I have seen that isn’t Roon. FWIW, Robert Harley has used the top Aurender in his reference system for years.

I have been very happy with my Small Green Computer sonictransporter Roon server, used with a Sonore microRendu streamer endpoint into my DAC. I have 2GB onboard storage for my ripped files. It was a better value than a Roon Nucleus (less $$, better support).

SGC Sonictransporter

@tracyiver 

Givrn your price range you may find this worthwhile.

I think something like the Innuos Zenith paired with a DDC like a Denafrips Hermes will provide excellent streaming performance and allow you to take advantage of the AES/EBU input on your Canary that many put up there with an i2S connection and could save you $$$ as well.  Also, if you have some prized CDs that aren’t available to stream — and who among us don’t — you can just load them into the Zenith and have access to all your music from your listening chair without dealing with CD transports or incorporating external SSDs into your setup that can be involved/frustrating.  At my stage it’s nice to have all this digital stuff as close to plug n play as possible, and for me Innuos does that, and their Sense app is reputed to sound excellent and their customer support is also excellent.  What more could you ask for?  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

Also please invest in your network.* No point in having your streamer not sounding like it should.  Lot's on Agon..just search.

* if ethernet is coming in from cable...get good cable(s).

If using a switch, then get a good one...enterprise or an audio one.

Filter that cable  (EtherRegen of Network Acoustics).

Roon nucleus makes roon easy. SQ from computer via USB not best. Been there..done that.

Qobuz my flavor for HiRes streaming music...others abound too.

And the Lumin U1 Network Streamer is another stunner.

Tracyiver,

Your streamer budget is WAY out of my price range, so I can’t give you a recommendation there.

But I agree with Soix on adding a Denafrips DDC like a Hermes at $1,250 or the top of the line Gaia at $1,800. Adding the entry level Iris has transformed my Node 130 to Denafrips Pontus II combo….I can imagine with your budget, you can put together a “forever” combination