2. digital
  3. 195185-198276

Streamer Options Needed

This question is a spinoff from this previous post: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgrade-from-martin-logan-sequel-ii-s-to

Since I decided to double my speaker budget, I will have to wait later in the year or perhaps 2026 for that purchase.

With that said, based on the comments from the previous post I am now looking at a streamer.

As stated before, I’m using a 2018 MacMini to stream Qobuz and passing it to the McIntosh C49’s built In DAC (for now at least). Streamer options to consider are: I do not, nor will I have digital music files stored anywhere so I do not need that option. I do not own or want to use a Tablet.  I am a Boomer so I would like to steer away of phone apps.

Ideally I would love the MacMini to control the Qobuz connected streamer that is connected to the C49 DAC.

Just for starters I played with a WiiM Ultra using the Mac OS Beta App. Not too bad, the Mac App controls the WiiM’s music library functions and most settings but not Qobuz. The phone app pretty much uses Qobuz and directs the stream to the WiiM then to the C49 DAC.

I would like to keep the cost under 3K.

Also, If they’re any suggestions on how to make the MacMini sound a bit better I will take those as well. Currently using BitPerfect. Are they any other programs that work similar to BitPerfect they bypass the Computers Audio Engine.

Sorry for the long winded post. So much knowledge to gain.

Suggestions please!!!!

chippieboy
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,200 posts
 

Aurender N200 is a great unit.    I would also recommend the Innuos because for the money it's is hard to beat.  

sns
4,047 posts
 

One relatively cheap alternative is the Teradak linear power supply for mac mini. You've already done good thing with the OS mod, lps for mini is the other major improvement for sound quality with the mini. A mini with modded OS and lps is something relatively few have experienced, I'd take it over the cheaper over the counter alternatives. 

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
363 posts
 

Innuos just updated their line and introduced a new transport.  The Innuos Stream1 is about $3k.  I would take a hard look at that one.  If you prefer a more smooth and "tuby" presentation check out the Aurender N150.

You will be able to drive either of those directly with the Qobuz app.  Good luck and cheers. 

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
607 posts
 

For your use case, I’d recommend the Volumio Motivo at just under $2k.  Has its own built in tablet-like screen.  Really good app.  Also has a DAC that will likely outperform yours, but you can experiment with that.

mswale
282 posts
 

Don't waste any time or money getting the Mini to sound better. The cost is not worth the benefit, plus it's also getting old enough to need a replacement. 10 years is about the limit on a Mac, it will no longer get any updates. 

Hate to break it to you, but I cannot think of any streamer that does not use a Phone/tablet app. It's just the way it is. A streamer is just a packaged computer.

You have a good DAC, think you can get away with a lower tier streamer, just connect it to your DAC. Really, just get the one that you feel most comfortable with the software/app. Would suggest you stay away from Rose, and Roon. 

More to discover