2. digital
  3. 192234-18279

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
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 

@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. 

v-fi
103 posts
 

@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?

luvtubes69's avatar
luvtubes69
41 posts
 

Nice, 

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 

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

v-fi
103 posts
 

Nice, that should be a great combo. 

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