If you want MQA, you will need to looking into streamers that have the capability - both Lumin and Aurender do - there are many others. Also the MQA streamers should plug into the Diablo via the XLR inputs and not through the DAC as the Diablo DAC cannot encode MQA. I currently use a Lumin T1 with the Diablo 300 and am happy with it.
Top music streamer for 2019? Aurender N10’s?
I will shortly be purchasing a Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated with its internal DAC module. I’m now wondering what to do about a music streamer, as I’m doubting that my current stock Mac Mini with Audirvana will do justice to the Gryphon. My budget is < 10k. After scanning forums this is what I’ve found consistently: 1) Aurender is frequently recommended, seemingly more so than other brands, 2) the Aurender N10 sounds much better than the much less expensive N100H, 3) Any higher end dedicated streamer will elevate sound significantly over my Mac Mini.
So it appears my best option is the Aurender N10 other than the price tag. My questions are: 1) Do people agree with the statements above? And, 2) How do the much less expensive Moon Mind 2 and Bluesound products compare with the Aurender N10? Is the difference large? And, 3) How big is the sound quality increase going to a N10 from a Mac Mini, and what specifically are the differences I should expect?
Thanks
So it appears my best option is the Aurender N10 other than the price tag. My questions are: 1) Do people agree with the statements above? And, 2) How do the much less expensive Moon Mind 2 and Bluesound products compare with the Aurender N10? Is the difference large? And, 3) How big is the sound quality increase going to a N10 from a Mac Mini, and what specifically are the differences I should expect?
Thanks
Showing 2 responses by rdk777
Both Aurender and Lumin unfold MQA. A full list can be found at - https://www.mqa.co.uk/customer/our-partners I didn't want the DAC module because the Lumin T1 along with Tidal Hifi (hi-res) met my needs. The T1 has a built in DAC, but not internal storage. You can get an external Lumin for your personal music collection as an option. The Aurenders have built in storage on certain models. The only downside for me is my CD collection which will collect dust, but most of it is available on Tidal. Lot of good choices out there - with and without MQA - you'll have to decide. Hope this helps. |