Hlep chosing a streamer/server for my DAC
Greetings Audiogoners, I took the dive into digital last year. I bought a Gustard A26 and loved the sound it produced. Close enough for me to analog—I currently have an Audio Research VSi75, a Herron Audio pre-amp and a VPI table.
I have been streaming through my MAC laptop. I know, not optimal. I want to make the next move to a dedicated streamer where I can sit in my chair with my tablet and drift off into sonic bliss. My problem: I'm unclear as to which streamer to pursue. Can you guys demystify things for me; dumb it down for this vinyl guy to understand? I just want to ensure that I'm able to stream the highest possible audio resolution between my DAC (32BIT/768kHz PCM, DOP 256, Native DSD512) and my streamer. I also want to avoid compatibility issues with whatever connection I choose to use between the streamer and DAC.
For example I have read that some streamers will only stream at a certain resolutions despite the streamer and the DAC being capable of much higher. Is this really a problem to be concerned about? Also, which connection should I favor
AES, SPDIF coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S or USB. I have been using USB but I find that I can only stream at 24/96 even though higher bitrate files are possible (probably the limitations of my MAC). I currently use CAT 6 Ethernet to my MAC and USB to my DAC.
My budget is around $3700 tops. Can you help make make the right decision? Some of the streaming choices I have considered are the Lumin U2 (used) or U2mini with an S Booster, Innuos Pulse (used) or Pulse mini with power supply, Roon clone with a linear power supply or an Eversolo DMP-A10.
I freely admit I know next to nothing about digital audio. I need just the basics to make a wise purchase. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hello: The SQ is also excellent, and if you can pick one up used, it would probably stay in your system for quite awhile. I upgraded from the U2 mini w sBooster, and it was a big leap forward. Best, JAMES. |
All good brand recommendations above. However, consider this, drop a DDC in between your MAC and the A26 DAC, reclocks the stream signal. Gustard U18 DDC is $499., USB to DDC, I2S to DAC. Then download Qobuz app (and subscription) to your MAC, load JPLAY iOS to your iPad ($50/yr) to control the MAC (called renderer in JPLAY). I have this setup with Denafrips IRIS DDC to Pontus DAC. Sounds as good/better than every sub $3k streamer I auditioned, all for less than $1k. Now if you go Grimm MU1 @$13k, you’ll likely get better SQ, but that’s not the point. Dedicated streamers/renderers/transports are audio optimized computers that offer some convenience, excellent SQ and additional functionality, e.g., DSP, if you’re interested. My understanding is the A26 has a built-in renderer, maybe figure out how to implement that first?
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Another vote for (used) Lumin or Innous. Down the line…,,A lot of streaming folks use Roon. You need a roon server or a streamer w/ Roon. It’s a likely progression. Back when, I left the Macbook for better sound and got it. Given the all in of a digital setup that’s on par with excellent vinal please take your time. What you’re coming from is a big step up. The final 10% or so needs stuff but one bit you should add now is a noise reduced switch and good Ethernet cables.
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