Best streamer to replace my Mac Mini?

Eversolo just did an update that rendered my Dad's A6 inoperable via USB. 

Same software/firmware as A8.   

Affects McIntosh Integrated Amps with DAC cards.   His 8950 was working fine , it updated and immediately after did not recognize DAC.  In the rare even it does, it identifies wrong sample rate and makes a loud potentially damaging screech noise or chirps.   

Also will not work with Chord and Accuphase.   This problem has been an issue with those two brands, the problem with the Mc is new 

To troubleshoot this I used a PC to stream qobuz to the 8950.  Worked fine.  Put Eversolo in my system.  Immediately recognized the DAC played fine for hours.  

Restored factory defaults , same problem with Mc.   They were responsive at first but then lied about the issue,  saying there are no known issues.  

I pressed them to take it in because it will not recognize the USB drive with an older firmware.   I told them it's 5 days from being out of warranty and they completely ignored me after that.   Talking to the dealer I learned that he has 40 + units that are bricked.    

I asked them to send me the file, they wouldn't.  They said it's dangerous to roll back.   Would not send file just notes on how to upgrade ...

Maybe I'm spoiled with my Aurender  and Bluesound,   but they have the worst support I have ever experienced in this hobby 

There is no service center or any contingency plan when these fail.   

They are charging Innous and Lumin pricing on the new model.  Spend a little more and buy from a big player in streaming 

I had high hopes for the machine.   I though it would change my mind about Chinese HiFi but it just proves how little a company like Zidoo is in terms of resources and talent.   

Bluesound has rarely let me down, I have had a Vault for 5 years, Aurender N200 for 1.5 and that machine has been great.  I did have an issue and they remotely diagnosed it and put the latest non beta FW in it ....remotely.   

Innuos makes one in that range too.   The most important thing about any of these devices is support and user interface.    The best hardware in the world is crap without good software.  

Visit those mfg forums and search for issues when you finally narrow it down 

I’d recommend a used Aurrender. You should be able to get a used N100 or better for that range. Excellent sound quality and very good navigation software. Everyone I know that has gotten off brands… (these are over $10K) complain about how cumbersome navigation is with them.

I own an Aurender N100 and Aurender W20SE.

a 432 EVO standard at $3500 would be a great choice it is a high end server with a built in cd ripper, was designed as a Roon core, and it can be upgraded to a higher preforming server because a;; 432EVO servers are designed around a modular platform.

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

432EVO dealers