Streamer Comparison and Suggestions


I am considering options for a new streamer for the specific purpose of improving sound quality as a Roon endpoint feeding a DAC.  

The set-up:

  • networked server/Roon core in a separate room
  • connection to my main system using fiber, a converter and LPS
  • very short Ethernet cable into dual Bonn N8 switches
  • Network Acoustics Ethernet cable then muon filter
  • Metrum Acoustics Ambre Roon endpoint/streamer (currently)
  • Variety of DACs having USB, S/PDIF, and AES/EBU input options

The Ambre is a Raspberry Pi based device with internal LPS and femto clocking.  I am curious whether some of the more expensive, more well-known streamer options may result in improved sound quality as a Roon endpoint feeding my DAC - which is my only goal.  I intend to continue using Roon to control Tidal, Qobuz, and my server stored music files so the addition of fancy touchscreens, on-board storage, or optional player software will not affect my decision unless the device also offers improved sound quality.  

Streamers I have been considering are in the $5-8K price range and include:

  • Sonore Signature Rendu SE (optical or otherwise - USB output only) $5,300
  • Innuos Pulsar (USB output only) $7,999
  • Auralic Aries G2.2 (lots of flexibility) $6,099

Thanks for any suggestions and specifically any comparisons between the streamers listed above.

mitch2

Thank you Dave and Troy but I am totally happy with my sonicTransporter i9 (Gen4) as a server (runs Roon core and stored music files on SSD), and Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe (optical) as the streamer/endpoint/renderer.  I like how the sonicTransporter (being separated from the streamer/endpoint) can be located in another room away from my system and then feed the streamer/endpoint via an optical cable thus providing galvanic isolation.  Having the server networked is beneficial since it also operates as a server for Roon and saved music files for two other of my home systems that have their own endpoints.  I also like that both the sonicTransporter and Signature Rendu SE are made in the USA and can easily be serviced in the USA.  In addition, support for both products has been exceptional.   

Happy New Year 

luv tubes we have compared our server to innous and Aurender and our clients have compared tp antipodes and grimm 

mitch wehad a client with a similar setup to yours and he switched to an Aeon

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