Streamers - Auralic, Aurender, Lumin, others...

After reading various trustworthy reviews and taking advice from a VinShine owner, here is my general impression of several noteworthy streamers:

T8 » Volumio Rivo+ > Lumin U2 mini (w/ 'official' LPS mod) >> Lumin U1 mini.

Because the T8 has a brighter house sound, I still consider the Rivo+ to be the better streamer. However, I will likely retain the T8 for my warmer-sounding rig, as it pairs exceptionally well in that system. With dual LPS, fully isolated ports, an extremely dark background, huge soundstage with pin-point imaging, and a smooth app experience, what’s not to like!

Thanks - that’s another vote for the Volumio, which is surprising given its price tag. I’ll definitely check it out after returning the Lumin U2 Mini. I was also planning to audition the T8 and the full-size U2. 

The T8 is a rather poor sounding streamer, very much a victim of a strong advertising campaign by reviewers. It has great features for it's price, it is well built but what gives, if the sonics are not up to par. They were also listed a lot second hand shortly after release and user topics on forums about it also went mostly quiet quickly.

It has an unpleasant, very forward in the upper midrange, yet flat and uninvolving sound signature. I spoke to few different folks who had it and our experiences with the T8 matched. I didn't notice it before with the A6 or A8.

I didn't want to gamble on another midrange streamer and got the full sized U2.

Thanks - that’s another vote for the Volumio, which is surprising given its price tag.

The Emerson Digital is another option in the same ballpark as the Rivo. You can't buy any better quality than this Swiss made network bridge IMO. Hans may have reviewed the Rivo as well, have a search:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-HeiVfAz4w

I compare the Aurender N150 to the Lumin U-2 Mini and Esoteric N05XD here and to the Bluesound Vault 2 here.