STREAMER - WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

I have an Innuos Pulse into a Holo Spring 3 KTE with preamp via a Tubulus Concentus V2 USB cable. That is being fed into a *Line Magnetic 845 premium tube amp. / *Coda CSiB Integrated via Teo Audio Silver Splash RCA interconnects. *I switch the amps out between hot and cold seasons. And Tekton Encore Speakers via Silversmith Fidelium Speaker cables.

@patrickalston - read through this very long thread.  If answered, my apology - what is your primary digital source - local files and/or streaming.  The software to me is critical in this case because (assumptions):

1. Your DAC hopefully has a great clock and yes, USB is asynch so jitter, etc. should be addressed by the DAC, but having a clean upstream data source would prevent other "garbage/noise" that may make its way into the signal (don’t ask me how, but I’ve heard differences based on the upstream source). 

2. Given this, you want the streamer/server to not introduce noise into the circuit, while supporting your streaming sources and software (ROON, Audirvana, native like Aurender or LUMIN, QOBUZ connect, etc.). I’ve read LUMIN U2 or U2X has isolation circuitry for USB audio out, better/quieter power supplies which the higher end devices have, but at more cost effective price points. In my case, I built my music server (fanless PC, JCAT USB card powered by Shanti LPS) on Windows (may switch to linux) running Audirvana -> USB -> MSB ProUSB/ISL (galvanic isolation) -> MSB DAC.

3. Galvanic isolation - for ethernet too, I’ve found greatly quiets down the noise floor, hence more detail, "black" background, soundstage, etc.  I use an iFi audio LAN iPurifier Pro ethernet noise filter with a Shanti 5v LPS powering this device.

Hope this helps.

Hello @patrickalston and hello @soix !

I guess a good thing I am just seeing this as it is as usual contentious.  I would say to you OP that @soix is as usual giving good advice.  I have owned many streamers which I will list, and have used them with different DACs, and can easily say that a good streamer takes a great DAC to another level.  I was once told my Tambaqui was a Lamborghini and I was feeding it regular gas...

My streamer history:

Macbook

Dedicated Mac Mini

Bluesound Node

Auralic Aries G2

XACT S1 (extended demo)

Grimm MU1 (still own)

Auralic Aries G2.2

Pink Faun Scion (recent purchase and still own).

Without a doubt, on  my systems and to my ears, each and every upgrade made a significant difference.  And note, my Scion was my last purchase to an already optimized system.  And it took it to another level.

My Tambaqui likes the AES input of my Grimm MU1, and my Master Fidelity Nadacs (like your BAT) want a USB input.  Regardless, the better the streamer the better the sound.  But don't get a Grimm if you want USB!

I am not saying anyone should spend 20k on a streamer.  But I am saying at a certain level it makes sense and is worth it (to me).

Anyone who flatly denies it makes a difference is IMHO wrong, likely has not heard a great streamer comparably in a great system, or can't hear the difference.

Congrats on the great system you have built...and don't be afraid to get a non tubed streamer since you should have plenty of tube warmth already!

@idrachman asked, "...what is your primary digital source - local files and/or streaming. "  

RESPONSE:  I purchased the Eversolo DMP-A8 when it first came out based on a recommendation from my brother. It's a fine, mid-grade all-in-one streamer/DAC/preamp, but I think my DAC deserves better. 

@idrachman also wrote "Your DAC hopefully has a great clock and yes, USB is asynch so jitter, etc. should be addressed by the DAC"

RESPONSE - The REX 3 is an asynchronous USB DAC with a low-noise OCXO clock isolated from the analog tube section designed for extremely low time error and minimal jitter.  So, yes, it has a great clock.  Unfortunately, the Rex 3 DAC is no longer available because, I'm told, that BAT was only able to receive a limited number of boards from Playback Designs. 

@fastfreight I agree with you. . .and, yes, I want a streamer that maximizes USB.  Based on my research, the top contenders for me would be the Innous Pulsar or Stream3 and the RS130.  I suspect the best of the bunch is the Stream3. 

You wrote ". . .and don't be afraid to get a non tubed streamer since you should have plenty of tube warmth already."

RESPONSE:  I'm not sure that a standalone tubed streamer makes sense. My understanding is tubes are analog and provide digital output to the DAC.  

And, yes, I have plenty of tubes to deal with:  60 total:  18 in the preamp, 12 in each amp, two in the tuner, 10 in the phono stage, and six in the DAC.

I'm sure that I won't spend $20k on a streamer.  (I'm still cramping from the DAC's price, but I had to bite the bullet because BAT no longer offers a DAC and I was committed to a BAT infrastructure)  Besides, I'll need some cash when I move away from my wonderful electrostats to the Kef Blade or Sonus Faber Amati.  Also, considering moving up from my outstanding VK-120 amps to the glorious BAT Rex monoblocks.  Soon, I'll shed my turntable (which I've only used once), phono stage, boxes and boxes of sealed vinyl and perhaps even my Reel-to-Reel.  Then, I'll be done.  

@patrickalston Thanks for the reply.  As some have said, only a direct A/B comparison with different devices would you be able to determine if there is a sonic benefit, as long as the software it supports meets your expectation (usability/capability).  Not sure if you've seen the other devices offering (like Aurender, LUMIN), or if they support 3rd party software like ROON or Audirvana. As mentioned, the LUMIN U2 or U2X should fit your requirements (USB output) and hopefully meet your budget.