Looking for High Quality Streamer Only Options (NO DAC)?

@jbhiller thanks for all the details and sharing some of your audio journey.  Makes sense to question the value proposition in streamers.  You’ll find a lot of debate on if moving up in models, brands really makes a difference.  Your comments on longevity, life cycle also make sense.  I think digital is evolved and matured to the point that you’ll get at least 5 years from a streamer but likely more without issue should you take the plunge in something in the 2-5 k range.  How much difference there is between the various streamers will be debated by both sides.  If possible, order a Wiim or Node off Amazon or a dealer with a return policy, compare it to using the T3 as a streamer only.  If you notice a difference in favor of the T3, investing in a Auralic, Lumin, HiFi Rose priced in that 2-3 k range should yield some nice results.  If you don’t, then you’ll know the Wiim or Node is all you need.  
 

Aurender is often mentioned as being the “gold standard” for streamers. If you found a used N100, N200 guessing you would be a really happy camper.  
 

And…. Thanks for the info on the LTA DAC, sounds like it creates some beautiful music. 

Roon optimised rock kit NUC latest version. Solid and smooth in operation. Add a Farad Super 3 and don’t think about that bit of the chain anymore.  

You mention it needing to be Roon Ready, but to clarify - do you already have a device running as a Roon Core?

Not sure how down the rabbit hole you have gone with Roon but if you are new to them, they need a "Core" which is usually a more powerful PC but can be a general purpose device like a laptop, NUC, desktop PC, etc. 

Then you need an "endpoint" which is a more audiophile oriented device that streams music from the Core and plays it back like a dedicated transport should, spitting out a digital signal over USB or AES or coax or whatever. 

Some devices do all in one approach to this. Like an Innuos Zen or similar will handle all the functions in one unit. But other times it is better (and maybe even cheaper) to have a separate Core on the network and a dedicated endpoint for audio playback, in your music setup. You can stash the Core in another room, it doesn't matter.

That said, I like the Matrix Audio Element S for $1500. Great little transport with lots of options and killer sound quality. It's an endpoint only though, but satisfies all your requirements.

Hi there. I like a raspberry pi based streamer from pi2 aes. They make a solution in a box but for about $250 you can buy their raspberry pi hat. I installed free Volumio software on the device and it works like a charm with roon. I used to use an Intona for galvanic isolation and rely on reclocking by my DAC. Using the pi2 aes made a big difference - beautiful dark background and big reduction in sibilance. Surprised me as as I was a skeptic. 3D effects clearly enhanced as well. . Go with the pi2 aes 2.0, which can use an external 5V power supply ( rather than 24V). Several good reviews on YouTube.  

I listen to Rock only, 60'70's 80's some. I purchased a Bricasti M1SE from Scott at Verdant Audio in NJ, a short time ago. I wanted a great DAC and didn't stream , other than Quboz via USB. Still liked it a lot.  WE talked for almost 2 hrs. He was great. I ended up with a great deal on a M1SE with a network card. Spent way more than I could really afford. He explained everything,  as I knew nothing about streaming, beyond my current situation. I now stream via the Bricasti LAN setting, Through Audirvana via Quboz.  Extremely impressed, more than I can describe.

This via a large room, more than 20x30'  Speakers 15' apart and listen at 80 to 90 db about 15' away. Very new, 200 hrs or so, Tekton Special Encores serial numbers 5 &6  175lbs each, leaving out the expletives. Bench mark LA-4 pre amp, Powered by a PASS X250.8 all listened to in Class A,  Some CD's too, via A LTA linear power supply, AES to a Project  RS2T transport. All cords, etc up scaled but not expensive. Both speakers flanked by SVS SB4000 subs  Everything in system ii running balanced. The nuances are difficult to describe, except to say, once your seated you don't want to leave the concert.  This response all triggered by The Bricasti M1SE article. Just a short shout out to Scott, who was GREAT and The company BRICASTI      Robert TN