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Streamers/DACs

Just picked out gear for our new hifi room and I’m starting my search for a good streamer or streamer/DAC combo.  We have Paradigm Persona 3F speakers, Persona Sub and Anthem STR amp.  I’ve narrowed streamers options down to 3 well-reviewed choices: Aurender, Lumin T3, and Cary Audio DMS-700.  Not sure if I’d go with the Aurender A15 which has the option to just do digital out if I feel the urge upgrade to a better DAC or start with the N200 and either use the Anthem’s DAC or buy a separate unit right off the bat.  Mostly interested in streaming Quboz, don’t care about Roon. The audio room has no realistic way to add an Ethernet port so I’ll need to work around this with a Wi-Fi to Ethernet bridge (or comparable solution) if I choose Aurender or Lumin, whereas the DMS-700 has a built-in Wi-Fi option (but a seemingly rudimentary app by comparison to the others).  Any experience with these products is welcome.  Of particular interest would be experiences from other Persona owners and why they chose the streamers/DACs they did but all input is welcome.  Thanks much, this forum has helped immensely in the build thus far. 

128x128brewerslaw
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,072 posts
 

Mytek Brooklyn Bridge II another great streamer too. But……

As for the LUMIN is has Leedh Processing Volume control. Meaning the streamer works as a pre amp (exceptionally well). Mytek does this too ( no pre needed) but not with Leedh. Worth a read on Leedh!

There’s gobs of info on these forums about cleaning up your Ethernet connection. Some have reported great or little success with an EtherREGEN. I’m in the plus column big time and I can’t stress enough that upgraded linear power, and cables play a big roll. 

Could you run optical/fiber (cheap too) to your new setup?

 

ghdprentice
7,217 posts
 

@malibu457 

 

Excellent idea. I highly recommend it and give give us your impressions.  

vthokie83
943 posts
 

Separate DAC, tech is moving fast an getting better quickly. Denafrips Pontus II $2,000 or Holo Audio $3,000 are great R2R DACs. I have the Pontus II and added a Denafrips Iris DDC at $600.....a terrific pairing, and can always be upgraded if you should choose to....easy to sell on Audiogon

danyvaknin
3 posts
 

the denafrips pontus ii and mercury streamer is also good option

brewerslaw's avatar
brewerslaw OP
36 posts
 

Total unexpected 180 on my part: Did the free Roon trial, got hooked, and set up a new Mac Mini M1 Roon Core.  

I’ll be looking for a separate DAC that pairs well with the Persona 3Fs/Sub

Strongly considering the following: Bricasti M1, Terminator Plus 12th, Chord Dave, and T+A DAC 200.  Any thoughts, particularly from the Persona-knowledgeable?

thanks much!

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