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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
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,973 posts
 

 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.

bartsw's avatar
bartsw
233 posts
 

@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.

soix
11,238 posts
 

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.

jfrmusic
407 posts
 

@patrickalston 

Get the best Aurender you can afford. 

jrareform's avatar
jrareform
190 posts
 

If you can afford it, why don't you try an upgraded power supply for your Eversolo, the Innuos pulsar and whatever Aurender you can afford and test them together.  I certainly wouldn't just pull the trigger on one and hope that I have the best for my system.  You have to compare.  See if a dealer will let you borrow a demo or two.  Or order some free trial stuff.  You owe it to yourself and the amount you've spent on your system to DEMO stuff NOT just take strangers on the internet's opinion.

Also, get a QUALITY USB cable.  You would be surprised how much a difference it makes.  I compared stock cable to Wireworld Platinum, Shunyata Gamma, Theta and Alpha.  The alpha won.  My wallet did not

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