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Streamer/server newbie

Hello everyone, I never felt I would consider purchasing a streamer/server yet here I am and I blame talking to another audiophile after he asked ‘what’s new with your stereo’ and told me about his recent streamer purchase. From peeking at these units I’m interested in the Aurender’s, Lumin’s and maybe Naim.  I do not want an integrated DAC. My system; PBN mono amps, PBN preamp, PBN M2!5 speakers and a Bel Canto DAC 3.7 with Reference upgrade and most likely in near future upgrade to a Lampizator DAC. Budget to match the system so $5k more or less. I do not foresee me abandoning CD’s for an all digital download library however I’d like to be able to have the ability to download  music. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

mark360
calieng
144 posts
 

I came across this pro Raspberry Pi setup that looked interesting the other day. I saw Alvin at Vineshine Audio reviewing it and he is selling in Asia.

https://www.pi2design.com/mercury-streamer-v2.html

The builder is based in USA so I ordered one from him this morning as I am still short one streamer for a headphone tube amp I just bought.

Will report back once I get it. Not sure it will sound any different than the one I built but like I said it is a more pro build which will look nicer in my table top system so worth the extra bucks to me. Will install Ropiee as I only stream with Roon. It also easily takes a generic 12V LPS with no mods in place of the external switching power supply included.

calieng
144 posts
 

BTW here is how small the PI 4 is in a fanless case without hat. You can hide it behind your equipment in a stereo rack. Has built in wifi that seems to work fine. Or you can use the lan ethernet connection.

The LPS is a $89 unit from Amazon. Also works great.

mahler123
3,494 posts
 

I am not a huge fan of Bluesound, but they are a traditional starting point for audiophiles getting into streaming, so I mentioned them.  It was my first streamer and I have moved on, but the app works pretty well and purely as a streamer it isn't bad.  One big advantage is that one can directly import numerous streaming services without resorting to Bluetooth or AirPlay or my favorite, Chromecast.

My favorite currently is Cambridge Audio CXN 60, and I own two of them.  The OP doesn't need the DAC, but it's decent and I use the DAC in my second system.  In my primary system the CXN 60 feeds a Bryston DAC3.  The CA particualrly does a great job implementing Chromecast, and I will frequently play high res files stored on my Android Phone that way, and it in no way sounds like a budget component.

And it is superb for Internet Radio and Podcasts.  The server is a Melco N100 NAS, which also can be used as a player, but since it lacks Chromecast and AirPlay and since I frequently switch between my phone with Apple Music and the files on the NAS it is just simpler to stay within the CA.

  At any rate, as a newbie streamer who doesnt need a DAC, I reiterate that the OP

imo is best served getting a quality but relatively inexpensive component and then upgrading if he/she wishes if streaming becomes a significant source for them

 

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