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


I'm looking to find a dedicated streamer, ideally <$2k. Here are the objectives: 

1. Must be Roon Ready

2. No internal DAC

3. USB, Optical or Digital Coax input

4. Great quality to feed an outboard DAC. 

The idea here is to hopefully avoid paying for an internal DAC and just by a stable streamer, giving the manufacturer the ability to dump all the parts and labor costs into the streaming side only. In other words, why pay for an internal DAC I won't use.  

 

128x128jbhiller

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

@v-fi , Yes, I'm modestly experienced with Roon--been using it for about 3 years now.  I built a Roon ROC NUC before and it worked well til I wore it out. Recently I was using my Mac as the Roon Core. 

Despite the amazing suggestions above, many of which I really wanted to try, I ended up with this as my new Roon Core and streamer. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbcb0a-roon-labs-poor-man-s-nucleus-music-servers-docks

I think it sounds even better than the Lumin T3 into my LTA Aero DAC.  The price is amazing.  Seller was awesome to work with. The unit is badass. $600 + shipping from Poland. 

@jbhiller Looks like a nice server and a great value, glad you enjoy it. What DAC are you pairing it with, or planning on using if you haven't found it yet?

@v-fi I have it paired with a Linear Tube Audio Aero, R2R ladder NOS DAC, using 6sn7 or 12sn7 tubes.