Pls help me find a network streamer w/ I2S output (not a DAC)
Hi everyone!
I have read a lot of posts and searched the forum and have not found my answer yet, but if I missed a thread regarding this topic, please forgive me.
I did not think finding a network streamer would be this difficult, but I have been searching for days and cannot find the right one for my setup. Maybe I am making this more difficult that it needs to be, so tell me if that's the case!
But first, let me explain what I am looking for. By "network streamer", I don't mean an integrated amplifier with a DAC, amplification and an Ethernet connector. There are plenty of those and in fact, I have one: the Naim Uniti Nova (great device btw).
I need a network streamer for another "separate components" system I am building. I have a DAC (LAiV Harmony DAC), a Preamp, an amplifier, and now I just want a network streamer that accepts Ethernet and outputs digital signal over an "I2S" connector to feed the signal to my DAC. So I need a device that does not have a DAC, does not have amplification, etc. Why I2S output you ask? Because that is the best connection for my LAiV Harmony DAC. Unfortunately, that also eliminates a lot of network streamers like Lumin, Cambridge, Blue Sound, etc.
I would really like to have a front display on this streamer, but I may have to go without one. The only options I have found are:
- Halo Audio Red - no display, but has I2S output port
- Volumio Rivo Plus - no display, has I2S output, seems like everyone is out of stock and no US distributor that I can find
- Eversolo T8: On paper has everything I want, but I read the audio quality is not great
- Hifi Rose RS151: Everything I need and more, but very expensive - much more than my DAC, and I can't justify the cost for my setup
Are there others that I am missing? I know I can build one with RaspberryPI, and I have in the past specifically for Roon, but I am looking for one that has good software for various streaming apps, and is also supported by an audio equipment vendor.
I would really appreciate your help and suggestions!
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- 50 posts total
The Innous Stream3 has a PhoenixI2S output board as an option. I believe it is even more expensive that the Hifi Rose RS151 though. It does not have a front display but does have a nice IOS app for iPhone and iPad as well as browser control if you prefer using a laptop. An IR remote was also just announced. The PhoenixUSB output board might be an even better option if you have a USB DAC which is what I use on my Stream1..
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Could you find a used DDC to put between the streamer of your choice and your DAC? For example: https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/denafrips-gaia-ddc-d-d-converter/
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Where did you read that from? I hope it’s not from forum posters here. All the trustworthy reviewers praise it highly, neck and neck with the Rivo+. As an owner of both, I find the T8 sounds a bit brighter (but not edgy—on the bright side of neutral), fuller, and with more bass presence than the Rivo+. When listening via QC (Qobuz Connect) and using I²S, the T8 also sounds more transparent. Soundstage-wise, they are comparable, but the T8 feels a bit more immersive, better filling in the separation among instruments. |
@lanx0003. I was wondering that myself. The T8 gets great reviews and I really love my unit. I'm using USB and it sound great and the software is awesome. |
- 50 posts total