https://www.rockna-audio.com/products/wavelight-server
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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- 50 posts total
@retiredaudioguy, thank you very much for the explanation of USB vs I2S. I have noticed that some people prefer one vs the other, and assumed it had to do with their DAC's capability to handle USB, or that their DAC just did not have an I2S interface. What you explained makes sense. Appreciate it. My DAC is now connected to a DDC (LAIV uDDC with I2S output interface connected to LAIV DAC). The uDDC accepts both I2S and USB inputs. I have it connected to my Mac right now using USB. Once I buy a streamer, I will try both USB and I2S interfaces on the uDDC to see which one sounds better and will report my findings. |
Does anyone have experience with this potential combination: PS Audio PMG 512 DAC and Matrix Audio NT-1 network/digital transport? Like the OP, I'm also looking for a network or "digital" transport that does not include a DAC. I tried the Hifi Rose RD160 DAC and RS130 Streamer but it was a disappointing experience: -- unstable interconnection between them -- I used I2S, SFP, and even Coax -- for $12k I expect not only great sound but a reliable device -- in general, the software was pretty terrible, especially usability. ugh. I returned those two devices and purchased a PS Audio PMG 512 DAC. I am delighted with that -- great sound and more to my liking than the Rose and a few other similarly priced options. I am a repeat customer (fan) of PS Audio for decades , so good good... The PMG 512 does include a streamer in it, but the display (nice for a DAC) is smaller than what I want and I am really looking for a broader set of "digital hub" capabilities. Currently at the top of my list is the Matrix Audio NT-1 transport. Again: Does anyone have experience with this potential combination: PS Audio PMG 512 DAC and Matrix Audio NT-1 network/digital transport?
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@vicweast, doesn't seem like anyone has experience with the Matrix Audio NT-1 (btw, there is also Matrix Audio TT-1 at a lower price). There are a couple of reviews for those on Youtube that suggest they are very good. Best of luck with your search, and if you get the Matrix NT-1, please post a review! |
@vicweast, I have owned and sold a Matrix NT-1. It has an excellent app and is very straightforward to use. The noise level is non-existent and the sound is crisp and neutral. I sold it because it sounded a little too analytical for my system, but if you’re looking for a clean sound with a wide soundstage, then it’s the best server/streamer I’ve heard to date. |
- 50 posts total