Please suggest a network streamer for my use case

[jaik]

Hi y'all,

Can I get some help in choosing a network streamer for my set up below please.

Speakers - B&W 702 S3
Amp - Hegel H400
DAC - Benchmark DAC3 HGC
NAS - Synology
UHD Player - Oppo UDP 203
AV Receiver - Denon AVR-X6400H

Now, my requirement is to stream WAV and/or FLAC files (full Hi Res files) from my Synology NAS to the Benchmark DAC --> Hegel H400 --> B&W 702 S3.
I'm being recommended the Lumin U2 Mini for this which I know is a good option if I'm into streaming from apps, but in my scenario, I'm looking for a streamer that would transport bit perfect data to my DAC from the Synology. Can you please suggest if I should go for the Lumin U2 Mini or if there are relatively cheaper options out there which suffices my requirement, without losing any of the audio quality.

Thanks in advance.
Jay

 

[Vincent Kars]

As you already have an excellent DAC, all you need is a protocol converter. Basically UPnP to either S/PDIF or USB audio.
Have a look at WiiM: https://www.wiimhome.com/wiimpro/overview?type=proplus

 

[staticV3]

A WiiM Mini will send bit-exact data from your NAS to the Benchmark DAC.

Also confirmed by Stereophile here:

"The WiiM Mini's TosLink output was bit-accurate."

In addition, the WiiM Mini has onboard room correction capabilities, which you can turn on if you so desire.

Used correctly, this will dramatically improve sound quality:


The Lumin cannot do this.

 

[Apesbrain]

Can you install Lyrion on your NAS (maybe via Docker)? If so, a WiiM Pro connected via coax/optical to your DAC would work.

Or, run LMS "Chromecast Bridge" plugin and stream directly to Hegel.

 

[JeremyFife]

+1 for the WiiM mini. Why pay more if this does what you need, unless you need something more specific from the streaming UI.

 

[jaik]

Thanks very much folks. I shall check out the WiiM website and the WiiM mini/ Pro models.