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:
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!
@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. |
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. |
give this a a look https://www.pi2design.com/mercury-v3-dac.html mine goes into Pontus 12 you can here a difference it even helps mp3 files i use moode audio as a software player
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@sawbuck thank you for that recommendation. It looks like they are planning to come-up with a new model (Mercury 5). I contacted them, but have not heard back. It looks like a good potential option. Do you know if Moode Audio software supports Roon and Qobuz? |
