2. digital
  3. 191091-21819

Streamer/Ripper/Storage

Hello,

I’d like to purchase a streamer without a DAC. My DAC is optimized for USB so that would be my preferred connection. Qubuz will be my main source though I use Amazon also (this isn’t essential). For the last 10 years or so I used a Mac Mini with  Amarra. The Mac is no longer upgradable. I’ve been streaming directly to my Classe Delta preamp via airplay, but I’d like to use a dedicated streamer now. The computer and preamp are hardwired via Ethernet cable. 

I assume most streamers offer similar sound but I’d like a best-in-class easy to use interface. Let’s say budget is up to $5000. Can folks give recommendations please?

p.s. I’ve seen some older threads with similar requests, but was hoping to hear current offerings.

Thanks…

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bogartg1 OP
5 posts
 

Thanks to everyone for the input. The Innuos Zenith MK3 really rises to the top. 

For those who think a ripper is unnecessary I think that means I would either need a NAS or built in storage in the streamer. Could I not just continue to access my current ripped CDs in my Mac Mini via the Streamer (essentially making the Mac Mini the NAS)? If yes, would the Pulse series be a better option than the Zen series? I kind of like the idea of the simplicity of an all-in-one device but I agree that ripping CDs is rare. 

As for USB cables, would a Belkin cable be fine?

 

 

mwood
56 posts
 

Innuos!!

mwood
56 posts
 

Innuos!!

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ml8764ag
502 posts
 

Innuous…. It just works…easy and reliable.

mahler123
3,308 posts
 

The Mac Mini ought to be able to function as a NAS.  I have to say that I have a MacBook Pro and when I am using it while listening to my streamers the music files stored in it never show as one of the libraries that can be accessed by the streamer, despite everything being on the same network.  I don’t care since those files are on my Melco N100 NAS but it’s curious.

  It should also be possible to directly attach the Mac Mini to the streamer and bypass the LAN.  You might need an adapter depending on the outputs of the Mac Mini and the inputs of the streamer but I think that going straight usb would be the best option.

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