Updating my streamer

For me, I believe the best value out there is a used, high end Lumin (like a U1).  You can get them for about 0.35 on the dollar and the power supply is really great.  I bought one about a year ago becuase my Mac Mini (which was my streamer) had a issue with mutiple users so I bought the Lumin to remedy that.  

I was surprised at the difference in sound quality and I was not expecting any difference.  I bought it for a purly ergonic point of view, initially. 

One thing with Aurender is they aren't as flexible as your Node.  For example, they are not Roon ready, if that matters to you.

@baylinor I've used my R26 for streaming and the sound quality is quite good.  I preferred it to streaming with my Node.

The R26 has no streaming software, so I used Audivarna installed on a laptop.  The Gustard is hard wired to the router.  Laptop connects by Wi-Fi. I used this method until I bought my Innuos Zen Mk3. 

Our internet is prone to dropouts despite being high speed. The Audivarna and Gustard would sometimes stutter as a result. Not often. The Innuos must have a huge buffer because I can unplug the router and it just keeps playing. 

The sense app is definitely Innuos strong selling point. Easily the best app around with Bluos. It looks like Gustard might be best with Roon, as it is Roon ready.

"Our internet is prone to dropouts despite being high speed. The Audivarna and Gustard would sometimes stutter as a result. Not often. The Innuos must have a huge buffer because I can unplug the router and it just keeps playing. "

@sls883 

That's actually super interesting to know!

I moved from an Aurender N10 to an Innuos Zenith and I am really glad that I did, mainly because the software is much better, and the sound is comparable. My point is that the software is a big part of the experience and should be a deciding factor. Unfortunately, Innuos does not include a DAC in the majority of their units, so it might not be a contender.