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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.

mitch2
ortodox
91 posts
 

Very good streamer is Melco.

dmiller01
17 posts
 

I would echo comments regarding Innuos and the Sense application. I used a Zenith Mk III as a Roon core and streamer and it is an excellent sounding streamer. (I recently upgraded to an Innuos Statement but the Zenith is right up there.) It will run Roon and run DSP software. But for the best sound it is better if you utilize a separate Roon core and use the Innuos as an end point/streamer only. The processing power used to manage Roon and DSP tend to detract from the overall sonics. I compared the Zenith to Lumin and Aurrender products in similiar price ranges and found the Innuos to be sonically superior.  

Also agree with general comments about the Innuos Sense app. It works flawlessly. I spent a lot of time comparing the sonics of the Sense to Roon before switching and dropping Roon. It is easy to toggle and A/B between Roon and Sense to compare. It was clear that the Sense application sounded much better than Roon and it was not subtle. More open, more transparent, better dynamics. Finding a used Zenith MK III should not be difficult. Good Luck

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,035 posts
 

If you can stretch your budget to a get a new or used Grimm MU1 it is a far better Roon box than anything else. You can sell your Room core. The 2/4 over sampling is dah bomb. 
Don’t take just my word please read up on it. 

pcorys
3 posts
 

My father as a Grimm MU1 - excellent. Uncle has an Aurilac G1.1 - OK. Friend has an Aurender N20 - excellent. I decided to buy an Evo 432 - excellent. It’s a roon core and is quite a bit cheaper than the MU1 and N20, but holds its own, I believe. Not better or worse, just has different sound characteristics. I have an Audio Note system and it harmonizes very well … emphasizes the naturalness and tonal beauty of the AN sound. If you live near NYC, you can demo one as the dealer is based in NJ. 
 

 

mitch2 OP
4,007 posts
 

Wow, what a great thread.  Thank you for the responses everyone.

Based on what I have read, the Innuos Pulsar and Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical remain strong choices in the $5-8K range, along with the Auralic Aries G2.2.  One drawback with the Pulsar and Sig Rendu SE is that they tie me to using USB, unless I add another box.  Cost effective options less than $3K include the Lumin U2 mini with upgraded outboard LPS or the opticalRendu with an improved outboard PS.

Thank you to @joc3021 for the additional information about how easy it is to switch the Innuos Pulsar between their Sense app and Roon.  That was helpful.  

To those recommending the Grimm MU1, it is within my budget and I have read the reviews but as good as it probably sounds, I really want to have the server separated from the streamer/endpoint for the SQ reasons mentioned by @dmiller01, as well as for the ability to repair/replace the server if necessary without affecting the streamer.  Finally, I like the idea of sticking with products from a company that is established and experienced with servers/streamers as I suspect the support will be more reliable like it was when I used the Antipodes DX3.

 

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