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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
cutthroat's avatar
cutthroat
12 posts
 

Just get a Raspberry Pi Model 4 or 5 and load PiCorePlayer on it. This is a solution for under $100 that will play any file up to DSD512 using the USB output to a DAC of your Choice. This is a under $100 solution, so you can get this now instead of waiting until 2026 as you stated. 

Then if you decide to buy another streamer, you'll have something to compare it to. (And I'm betting that you would get better SQ, no matter how much you spend.

This is what I have been using for 10 years now, and I put my money into things that will actually have a large impact on Sound quality. You'll also have the most control over your streamer than anything else on the market. PiCorePlayer is Free software and is supported by a worldwide cadre of audio guys/ developers that use the software themselves. There are also hundreds of Plugins to customize your audio desires.

alfa100's avatar
alfa100
240 posts
 

the Holo software is difficult to navigate. In my system it clean with no sibilance but the Everolo sounded better

lanx0003
1,954 posts
 

Rivo plus + LPS connected with D90 III Discrete via I2s -> sublime

chippieboy OP
30 posts
 

Well it's end of another year so I thought I would post my findings.

1st Tested the WiiM Ultra, I liked it the best overall but, it did sound a bit better that the $279 MSRP it carries. Next was the Bluesound Node. For some reason Boring is the first thing that comes to mind so I returned that too. Next up was the PS Audio Air Lens. Pretty clean sound. I loved the size and interface. Just set it up with a smart device and tuck it away on a shelf somewhere. I did sound a bit sterile for me. (i'm not sure what sound I am really looking for but I will know it when I hear it) Sent that back as well. Next was the Cambridge MXN 10. Sounded the same as my MacMini setup. Partner said she liked the stage presence better that the computer.

January I am thinking about a Eversolo T8. There is also an Lumin U2 on Craigslist 33% less than MSRP.

Any thoughts?

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