I'll add Lumin U2 as a streamer worth looking at. Their hardware and software quality is exceptional. The U2 can also be paired with an upgraded Lumin X1 power supply.
Streamer Comparison and Suggestions
I am considering options for a new streamer for the specific purpose of improving sound quality as a Roon endpoint feeding a DAC.
The set-up:
- networked server/Roon core in a separate room
- connection to my main system using fiber, a converter and LPS
- very short Ethernet cable into dual Bonn N8 switches
- Network Acoustics Ethernet cable then muon filter
- Metrum Acoustics Ambre Roon endpoint/streamer (currently)
- Variety of DACs having USB, S/PDIF, and AES/EBU input options
The Ambre is a Raspberry Pi based device with internal LPS and femto clocking. I am curious whether some of the more expensive, more well-known streamer options may result in improved sound quality as a Roon endpoint feeding my DAC - which is my only goal. I intend to continue using Roon to control Tidal, Qobuz, and my server stored music files so the addition of fancy touchscreens, on-board storage, or optional player software will not affect my decision unless the device also offers improved sound quality.
Streamers I have been considering are in the $5-8K price range and include:
- Sonore Signature Rendu SE (optical or otherwise - USB output only) $5,300
- Innuos Pulsar (USB output only) $7,999
- Auralic Aries G2.2 (lots of flexibility) $6,099
Thanks for any suggestions and specifically any comparisons between the streamers listed above.
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- 49 posts total
I have looked at the Lumin line up and was interested in the U2 mini, especially with the option of removing the SMPS and changing over to an exterior LPS. However, I could not find anywhere on their website the voltage or amperage of the X1 PS to determine if that would work with the U2 mini, but there are other options. It may be one of the best low-cost options, along with the Optical or Ultra Rendu with upgraded external PS. The full size U2 at $5K has its own internal LPS, which appears to be pretty good. |
@mitch2 the X1 power supply isn't compatible with the U2 Mini. Something to keep in mind is that bypassing the U2 Mini internal power supply with a third-party linear power supply will void the warranty. |
I’ve used an Innous Zenith MKII for about 5 years and have no plans to upgrade. When I first started using Roon, I was upscaling and using DSP, which sometimes caused playback problems. After a while, I relized that I didn’t need upscaling or DSP to get great sounding music out of my system, so I stopped using both. When Sense came out, I eventually tried it and found the SQ much better than Roon’s. Sense had some growing pains, but now it is fully integrated with Qobuz and Tidal. I don’t use Roon anymore in my listening room - even thought I have a lifetime subscription. OP, if you could find a used Zenith MKII in good condition, you might give it some serious consideration. |
- 49 posts total