+1 on the Airlens. Supports Tidal and Qobuz connect.
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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@sfgak The Holo Red is a streamer and a DDC. But you can’t use both functions at the same time so either it’s a streamer using USB or a DDC using I2s
Gustard has a good new streamer S26 no display tho |
As the Eversolo is available on Amazon with a 30 day no questions asked return policy why don't you order it and try it yourself instead of relying on internet opinions. I've had one for months and while it was a little thin and bright out of the box after about a hundred hours it has smoothed out nicely. I know holds its own with my Aries G2.2 at five times the T8's cost. I also own a Holo Red and have since shortly after it was released. Other than the lack of a screen and no software it is a really good sounding and funtional device. As to the Airlens, I wouldn't touch it as it's just another Conversdigital board in a custom box with all the attendent mConnect issues the Bridge II had. |
- 50 posts total