STREAMER - WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?


I've been using the Eversolo DMP-A8 and think it's a mid-range, feature-rich, capable, and attractive machine.  For the past few months, my focus has been on putting my system together (e.g., new caps on the amps, new tubes, getting clean power, turntable, phono stage, etc) and have felt that I've been overly focused on the analog side.  I've long wanted to work on getting my end game digital setup and pulled the trigger on a BAT Rex 3 DAC and now want a streamer that mates well with it.  I know little about streamers. . .just enough to get lost in the topic.  

Other than an easy-to-read screen and balanced outputs, what features should I look for in an endgame streamer that will deliver a significant performance boost?  I invite any suggestions. 

patrickalston

the unit you have is actually better than most people realize. It's just being held back by a terrible power supply.

fix the power supply and you'll be surprised and how far above its price point it ends up punching.

Head to head, a lowly A6 w/ a proper supply beat stuff in the 5 figure range.

 Considering that the DAC will do all the heavy lifting as far as clocks, buffers etc. Your new DAC should be able to handle this with no issue. I would use the USB input and keep the Eversolo. Unless you want bragging rights on a shiny new streamer. From my experience with 5-6 Streamers now you won’t hear that much difference between a more expensive streamer over the already good Eversolo. It’s the DAC that if not designed well will show differences in streamers not the other way around.

@soix 

Ditch the screen as it’ll greatly limit your options

I wouldn't buy anything without a screen and remote again. After 7 years, they're no longer obligated to provide a new software for your new phone or tablet. It'll be a brick unless you keep an old phone around that only works for a few minutes before the battery dies. I have problems with Pioneer / Onkyo for this reason. It's a horrible company. I have B&W subs that will meet this fate.

Glad you got a response from BAT — USB it is!!!  I’m sure the hifi Rose will be an improvement over the T8 but highly doubt it’s on the level of the better units from Aurender, Innuos, and Grimm (then again nor is it as expensive).  Anyway, best of luck and sure you’ll be better off no matter which you choose.