I had a long version written up (2 of them actually) but trimmed the fat down to this.
I want an appliance streamer. I have tried using Mac Mini but it's not working for me for reasons I won't bother you with. I can afford any product but it has to be at least somewhat worth it. Those $10k and up streamers are right out.
No DAC and no amp is best, since I won't be using them. I have separate components and just want network streaming (of my owned library).
I don't care about the sound quality. I can't hear the difference. I know that anything I bought would meet a minimum bar for a digital only device, that is just a glorified transport. But I do want DSD capability for the smug sense of superiority. (Plus there is some great SACD content.)
I've narrowed it down to a few, but then I realized, why not iPad or iPhone? I get to use the native Apple Music experience (mostly meaning auto sync), you can now do DSD out via USB adapter, and I have old devices just laying around. Is there a way to charge the phone/tablet (lightning connector) and listen at the same time? That is the main and only concern I can even think of.
I also have a walkman coming for christmas. The advantage there over a phone is the higher quality built-in DAC, so when on the move I still have a really good-to-great experience, and I think I can charge and have digital out at the same time. But probably manual syncing of my music library from my Mac?
The top 3 streamers I narrowed down to are
Cambridge CXN (V2) $1100
Lumin U1 mini $2100
Aries G1 $2900
Others in this price range are missing upnp or dlna support so given the rough equivalence of all these products, I also eliminate them. Given the prices of these products, I would consider a new Apple phone or tablet as well, if the usb-c port gets me to charging while listening, and if the apple experience is going to be more or less as good as a dedicated appliance.
What a great age we are in, with amazing DAC and amplifier technology easily accessible, digital downloads, and spoilt for choice on our incredibly good hifi experience. And with no shortage of USB salesmen!
I want an appliance streamer. I have tried using Mac Mini but it's not working for me for reasons I won't bother you with. I can afford any product but it has to be at least somewhat worth it. Those $10k and up streamers are right out.
No DAC and no amp is best, since I won't be using them. I have separate components and just want network streaming (of my owned library).
I don't care about the sound quality. I can't hear the difference. I know that anything I bought would meet a minimum bar for a digital only device, that is just a glorified transport. But I do want DSD capability for the smug sense of superiority. (Plus there is some great SACD content.)
I've narrowed it down to a few, but then I realized, why not iPad or iPhone? I get to use the native Apple Music experience (mostly meaning auto sync), you can now do DSD out via USB adapter, and I have old devices just laying around. Is there a way to charge the phone/tablet (lightning connector) and listen at the same time? That is the main and only concern I can even think of.
I also have a walkman coming for christmas. The advantage there over a phone is the higher quality built-in DAC, so when on the move I still have a really good-to-great experience, and I think I can charge and have digital out at the same time. But probably manual syncing of my music library from my Mac?
The top 3 streamers I narrowed down to are
Cambridge CXN (V2) $1100
Lumin U1 mini $2100
Aries G1 $2900
Others in this price range are missing upnp or dlna support so given the rough equivalence of all these products, I also eliminate them. Given the prices of these products, I would consider a new Apple phone or tablet as well, if the usb-c port gets me to charging while listening, and if the apple experience is going to be more or less as good as a dedicated appliance.
What a great age we are in, with amazing DAC and amplifier technology easily accessible, digital downloads, and spoilt for choice on our incredibly good hifi experience. And with no shortage of USB salesmen!