Clock vs Streamer advice

blisshifi

1,011 posts

01-30-2024 at 11:21pm 

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I suggest you save a bit more or wait for a higher priced unit to come on the used market. That said, warranties count for something, as streamers are inherently computers, and who hasn’t had computer problems? Many times it’s worth buying new just so that you’re not stuck with a lemon in the long run.

Or the short run.
When you run with the expensive streamer camp, buying used is putting a lot of faith in the in-house software and the parts (from the PCB on up) not malfunctioning. If something goes wrong and an RMA is necessary, out-of-warranty can get costly in time, parts, labor.

Agree w new + warranty, had an “inexpensive” CA CXN V2 and was getting faint crackling static sound from left channel through Klipsch Fortes, high sensitivity speakers. Tried a number of diagnostics and fixes with CA support, DAC chip suspect. Upgraded source in that system, moved the CXN to system two, less sensitive Focals, but still static.  One call to Crutchfield, two weeks later, brand new CXN, no crackling static! Problem solved. Had registered CXN w CA for extra year on warranty.  Have no idea if you could pull DAC chip and replace, but what if that not the gremlin? New + warranty or used with brand where warranty transfers.

@OP. Melco's app is not great either. As you have a quality DAC, and I'm working on the premise that it is USB equipped, you do have the potential to run Roon straight into that DAC. However, you need a purpose built computer to get the best results.

Used Lumin, absolutely!

I have had an Innuos Zen Mini and it’s LPS since 2019. I cannot compare it to any other streamers since it is my first and only. Innuos Sense, the on board streaming platform, is pretty darn good. I use Qobuz as a streaming service that feeds seamlessly into Sense. I also have many hundreds of CDs that I ripped into the Zen Mini’s hard drive. Good luck!