Solo streamer


I’m looking to replace my Cambridge CXN v2 with a streamer that has better SQ.  I want a streamer with no extra accoutrements: no DAC, storage capacity, etc., nothing but a streamer.  Is this available?

128x128rvpiano

I used powerline adapters for a few years and don’t recommend going that route.  I ultimately bit the bullet and paid someone to Ethernet wire the home ( and simultaneously install an antenna for OTA TV signals, as both of these required going deep in my attic and was beyond my physical abilities to do so).

  Coincidentally I had to interrupt the Ethernet connection for one of my VXN streamers and go WiFi (I was painting where the room where the Ethernet comes out of a wall).  I thought that the WiFi connection was a tick sonically below the wired connection.

  The OP was prepared to spend a chunk on a new streamer, I think in the 8 K range.  For a fraction of that he can pay for a first class Ethernet setup.  I think that it will make his current streamer a bit better, and if he ever decides that he really needs a component that requires hardwire, he is all set to go

When you upgrade it is nice to leave a little 'upside buffer'.  The N200 gives him this.  If he CHOOSES to upgrade the DAC one day, at least the streamer will be ready.  And to many ears, the N200 does sound better than the N150.  So leave the man alone.  Enjoy @rvpiano!

I thought that the WiFi connection was a tick sonically below the wired connection.

I had a similar experience with my secondary system via Wi-Fi with or without the extender. The degrading is ever so slight but audible.