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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!

rfarassat
vicweast's avatar
vicweast
175 posts
 

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?

 

rfarassat OP
32 posts
 

@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! 

marc202
3 posts
 

@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.

rfarassat OP
32 posts
 

Marc202, may I ask what you switched to after selling your Matrix NT-1? Thx.

marc202
3 posts
 

@rfarassat, i demoed a bunch of streamers but was not particularly impressed with any of them except the matrix. after i sold it, i went back to my old streaming setup. i have a euphony audio summus server and endpoint that i use for streaming.

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