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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
genomeip
25 posts
 

Actually just went through this exercise as well.  PS Audio’s Airlens comes to mind (already mentioned), as well as the others on your list in addition to the Innuos.  

But,  I have a bigger issue that you probably don’t have...finding a quality streamer that is compatible with Amazon Music HD.  That eliminated most of those on your list,  because I would need a server to run special software (UpnP) that would enable me to run the workaround.  I refuse to do that, and I also refuse to subscribe to Roon or to move to another more expensive streaming service.  I also refuse to pay the nutty prices that HiFI Rose streamers command.

I focused most acutely on trying to find a way to make Rivo Plus and Airlens work due to their celebrated sound quality. But,  I came up empty handed.

As a result, I plan to upgrade my current Wiim Pro Plus to the next gen WiiM Ultra 2 (when it comes out later this year) so that I can get a USB out,  have that go into a DDC, and then I2S into my DAC.

This issue represents a significant gap in support, and hopefully someone will come out with a high quality DAC that’s compatible with Amazon Music HD and that has really good, but non-clinical sound (Eversolo).

kmcong
89 posts
 

@genomeip 

The Eversolo T8 supports Amazon HD. Idagio and Amazon HD are the streaming services that I use. The Eversolo OS is pretty intuitive and user friendly. As I mentioned earlier, the SQ IMO is really great. 

genomeip
25 posts
 

@kmcong Thank you for your suggestion.  For better or worse, I had removed the Eversolo products from contention because there has been a non-significant number of users that have described their house sound as being unwarm and clinical.  My system is fairly revealing, and I fear it would likely reveal that character if an Eversolo was added.  

 

With that said, it does seem as though Eversolo had heard about that feedback and had addressed it somewhat (but not completely) with the T8.

 

For now, I’ll likely stay on the sidelines until it’s fully addressed, and plan to follow the cheaper Wiim Ultra route for now (unless a much better option becomes available).

 

But,  this field is moving super quick...so I doubt I’ll need to wait too much longer. 

rfarassat OP
32 posts
 

@prophet9, thank you for sharing the article you wrote on the use of two DACs in mono, and so interesting that you used two LAiV DACs and uDDCs! Also loved your choices of music tracks you tested with (some of them are on my list as well and I added the others to my Qobuz playlists). 

@agisthos, I had never heard of Audiobyte Super Hub! Thank you for that recommendation. 

rfarassat OP
32 posts
 

I believe I have come to the end of my research on this topic and have decided to go with the Volumio Rivo Plus, that is if I can find a good way to order in US. It seems to have very good audio quality when used with a good linear PS, and good software. 

If anyone has a Volumio Rivo Plus for sale, please let me know! Thank you all for all your help and recommendations. I really appreciate it. 

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