PEQuestrian
Member
- Joined
- Aug 25, 2024
- Messages
- 13
- Likes
- 37
Hi everyone, I could use some help picking a streamer / dac / preamp combo for a 2.2 setup. After endlessly reading through countless device threads where pros and cons are discussed, I'm finding myself in a state of decision paralysis that I'd like to break. (Specific questions at the end of the post)
What I already own:
(1) Use existing Win 11 Mini PC as a Qobuz streamer --> external USB DAC / preamp --> power amp & single ended RCA out --> subs
(2) Buy a MiniDSP SHD with a Dirac Live and use SVS app to integrate subs
(3) Use Wiim Ultra as Streamer --> RME ADI-2 Dac fs with REW DRC --> power amp & single ended RCA out --> subs
Question(s):
PC: how can I set up and control my PC without the need to switch audio outputs or multiple player subscriptions? I've used Remote Desktop software before and wasn't a fan (laggy, clunky to use) but could very well have changed since.
MiniDSP SHD: are there any updates on a new version coming out soon? Has anyone A/B tested SQ with a device (96Khz) against true losses and noticed reduce SQ? Has anyone had luck using the SVS app to successfully integrate subs with the MiniDSP SHD?
Wiim Ultra + RME ADI-2 DAC FS: can anyone comment on this configuration specfically?
I'm not (yet) really leaning one way or another as I'm not sure I've captured all important-to-me pros and cons comprehensively, so I'm welcoming of ANY suggestions.
Thanks in Advance!
What I already own:
- Android phone, iPhone and iPad for playback over Wifi (or to control a Win desktop player)
- A Win 11 Mini PC (hidden, bootable via wake-on-Lan, connects via HDMI 1.4 to TV screen for MKV playback - want to keep that functionality)
- An M3 MacBook Air (mentioning in case this opens up additional options)
- Play lossless music (Qobuz) from a source that actually outputs 24/192. (Apparently some streaming services have limited output signal quality on some platforms?)
- Full range DRC capabilities with manual PEQ
- Don't mind spending a lot of time on the initial setup, learning a tool BUT: once the config is dialed in, starting up the system, picking and playing music needs to quick and easy. (Listening > tinkering)
- 4V balanced XLR outs are a plus but not must haves
- I don't need a A/D converter or phono line stage.
(1) Use existing Win 11 Mini PC as a Qobuz streamer --> external USB DAC / preamp --> power amp & single ended RCA out --> subs
Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
(2) Buy a MiniDSP SHD with a Dirac Live and use SVS app to integrate subs
Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
(3) Use Wiim Ultra as Streamer --> RME ADI-2 Dac fs with REW DRC --> power amp & single ended RCA out --> subs
Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
Question(s):
PC: how can I set up and control my PC without the need to switch audio outputs or multiple player subscriptions? I've used Remote Desktop software before and wasn't a fan (laggy, clunky to use) but could very well have changed since.
MiniDSP SHD: are there any updates on a new version coming out soon? Has anyone A/B tested SQ with a device (96Khz) against true losses and noticed reduce SQ? Has anyone had luck using the SVS app to successfully integrate subs with the MiniDSP SHD?
Wiim Ultra + RME ADI-2 DAC FS: can anyone comment on this configuration specfically?
I'm not (yet) really leaning one way or another as I'm not sure I've captured all important-to-me pros and cons comprehensively, so I'm welcoming of ANY suggestions.
Thanks in Advance!
Last edited: