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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!

rfarassat
kingbr's avatar
kingbr
477 posts
 

I had the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master with the TP SE power supply. I am using a DENAFRIPS Hermes feeding DENAFRIPS Pontus II 12th via I2S. When the T8 came out I felt I just had to give it a try. Like @jackd said I felt nothing to lose with Amazon's return policy. Truth told I didn't think I'd notice a difference at all with my current A6 Master and TP power supply. Right out of the box after I switched out the A6 Master with T8 the difference was immediate and it was undeniable. And honestly, I didn't want this to happen because I figured it's much easier to return the T8 than pack up, list, and sell my A6 Master and TP power supply. But the T8 was that good. Richer, fuller, livelier, more detail, air, zest, it had it all. Not at all to take away anything from A6 Master (especially with the upgraded TP supply), it's just T8 was that good...

 

I also have Bluesound Icon in a second system. Hasn't been mentioned yet but you should give that a serious look. Has the display (very important to me) and everything else you're looking for and has great reviews! I love the Icon!

 

Good luck!

mike4597's avatar
mike4597
303 posts
 

Following up on Georg_r comment:  

I also have the Stream 1, with the Phoenix USB module and the LPS1 power supply, and the output from the Phoenix USB module is better than the regular output from the Stream 1--better tonal qualities, better imaging, and better sound stage.  I am quite glad that I decided to go with the Phoenix USB module.  Also, as george_r stated, the Innuos Sense app is very user-friendly, and I had to deal with Innuos technical support, which was superb.  The Stream 3 does have a I2s optional module, but the Stream 1, even with the Phoenix USB module and the LPS1 options, is significantly less than the Stream 3 with the Phoenix USB module.

audiostick
124 posts
 

@rfarassat I would not fixate on i2s for the Harmony.  I tried a Hermes 15th with mine and it did nothing for my system.  I realize that reviewers are saying that i2s is best with the Harmony, but I would suggest you focus on a Streamer with the features and sound characteristics you are looking for, and trust that the manufacturer has done their best to optimize the outputs they feature.  Don't skimp on your cable of choice as well.

prophet9's avatar
prophet9
7 posts
 

The advice of @audiostick is sound, but a client wants what they want and we should respect that.

Not "focusing on i2s" as you say, also says the hard work manufacturers put into including the interface in so many devices these days is not important!

An option (if the commenter prefers a streamer with a display), would be to choose one that has AES/EBU output and purchase a LAiV Harmony μDDC, which does not cost a ton. Then feed the DAC with i2s.

But TBH, the Holo Red is a superb Streamer - you only need jPlay, mConnect or any other uPNP app and you are golden.

I purchased one, took it to a reputable car painter and had it sprayed black. Then used a stencil to recreate the Holo logo on the front and sprayed it white.

I personally feed the LAiV Harmony μDDC a 10MHz Clock signal and AES/EBU and then i2s via HDMI to DACs that do not support clock inputs but have i2s inputs.

Good luck!

kmcong
89 posts
 

I've had my Eversolo T8 for a little more than two months now.  It replaced a Bluesound Node 2i moded with a TeddyPardo LPS.  I find the sound quality to be superb,  and as mentioned by a previous poster it's gotten better as it has broken in (I know,  break in is a very controversial topic!) I'm using the I2s output into a PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1 moded by APS Transformers.  One advantage of the Eversolo is that it has 8 different output modes for the I2s.  Important as there's no standard for that connection.  Just make sure you find the right mode for your dac,  as using the wrong one will result in terrible imaging and poor SQ.  I find the OS to be stable,  and it supports many streaming services, more than most streamers.  Audio Advisors has a 60 day trial period on the unit.  I was using a Morrow HDMI cable at first,  then switched to a Audioquest Carbon 48, and noticed a slight improvement. As mentioned above,  keep the I2s cable as short as possible; I'm using a .5 meter length. 

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