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/
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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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. |
I will have to search for those reviews, so I apologize for not having the links available right now. But from memory, there were two sets of complains: 1. Some people described the T8 sound as being hard, bright, or flat when they compared it to some higher cost streamers like Hifi Rose RS130 or RS150, or Lumin. 2. There were complains about software glitches and stability with some streaming services like Qobuz (which I use), Apple music, etc. The software issues I am less concerned about since software issues like this can be fixed and updates over time will take care of them. I am more interested in a clean and transparent sound. |
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