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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
Post removed 
romanesq
108 posts
 

If you tried the WiiM Ultra and you like using Qobuz you SHOULD be using Qobuz Direct! Your WiiM connects perfectly via Qobuz Direct.

Then you will get the best out of the WiiM which can be controlled any way running the Qobuz app directly as you like: tablet, phone and/or computer. It's very good and someone mentioned the Echo as an audio controller.

In addition to going Qobuz Direct, if you have a fiber router from your provider, you would see improvement. In addition, no big money has to be spent from there. You can use Cisco 2960 or Cisco Meraki connected by fiber and then go in to the WiiM Ultra. 

Got a couple of Cisco Merak running for less than $80. In less than five minutes I took out the internal power supply. It's easy. Then used Blue Jean ethernet cables from the router to the first Cisco and then short one from the second one to a WiiM.

Big bang for the buck and no four figure investment needed. 

 

jfuquay
121 posts
 

Like you, I tried a Mac Mini stripped down to just music, with Audirvana as the library manager. Sound was pretty good. But I was always having to make workarounds, and finally bought a used Innuos Zen Mk. 3 for $1,800. It’s really good, and the CD ripper makes file transfer a breeze. It also incorporates Qobuz, my preferred streaming source. The Sense app is excellent.

sns
4,056 posts
 

Mini just a glorified computer even with every possible operating system mod, adding a quality lps absolutely necessary to make it into a passable streamer.

knownothing
1,709 posts
 

Plus one for Volumio products.  Look into the Rivo Plus with an external linear power supply from Teddy Pardo or similar (Volumio is not shipping their Lineo5 PS to the US currently - likely a victim of tarriffs).  At about two grand, very good performance per $ ratio.  All connections out including i2S except curiously toslink.

kn

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