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.
@phishhhhh4 "Innuos if just for the Sense App" But don't forget about CUSTOMER SERVICE! This is a great company. I thought about the new Innuos Stream3 but lately I'm intrigued by vinyl and think owning albums that I really relish could be a fascinating change. |
Here’s my thought: There are a lot of opinions floating around some based on experience others may be based on hearsay--and I appreciate all of them even if I don’t fully understand the bases for those opinions. At the end of the day, what matters is what the ears hear and whether or not what’s heard is worth the price to take it home. I feel very fortunate to be able to enjoy the rig that I have and that others like you good folks share your most precious asset, time, to participate in this discussion. One thing I will say, I will not be spending $38k (or half that) on any streamer (unless it include tickets to every live concert for life). For what it’s worth, the Aurender is not the best match for the BAT DAC because the N20 is AES optimized. The BAT is USB optimized. Between the two, the Innuos Pulsar is the better choice and it seems to be rated above the Rose RS130. I’m torn between the Innuos Pulsar and RS130. The RS130’s screen is a major attraction for me. The Innuos has no screen, but I’m still intrigued by it. I need to listen to each. RS130 is probably easy to audition, but the Pulsar, I believe, is discontinued. @agram - I considered the Eversolo T8 early on, but I think the RS130 or an Innuos Pulsar are units that I can be happy with over a longer period. I’m not looking for an incremental upgrade to get me over until the next best thing comes along. I want a balance of build quality, sound quality and aa greater user interface even if that means giving up some sonic performance. I suspect that the RS130 is the right fit, but I’m still eyeballin’ the Innos. Thanx @kirkwallace - the Aurender’s AES‑first, clock‑sync‑first approach is not optimal for BAT’s USB‑first, USB‑optimized configuration. I’m no longer considering Aurender.
@marco1 - let’s hope my ears are as good as yours and, yes, tech support is key for me.
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No, I just use my ears and have clearly heard what better streamers sound like in the $6k - $8k range. If you honestly can’t hear the difference between a $2k streamer and an $8k streamer I truly feel sorry for you. Fortunately most of the rest of us can. Pretty sure the OP won’t follow your 20 years of whatever experience and buy a $2k streamer, nor would anyone else here because it makes no sense and is a total mismatch. Measure that. |
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