Is there a streamer front end that doesn't cost mountains!?

Elberoth

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Dec 15, 2012
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Just get SOtM sMS-200Ultra endpoint with a good PSU (like Farad, or SOtM's own sPS-500) and an Intel NUC as your roon server.

It can sound as good if not better than most PC builds (ask me how do I know). Another major advantage is the fact is rock solid and maintenance free.
 

christoph

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Folsom

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If you really want to go cheap you can use a Raspberry Pi or Allo device. Then use Teddy Pardo PSU/s. Big dollars on streamers are exhaustingly low returns unless you want the sound mutated significantly. (Which you might)

Getting a successful digital signal to a DAC hasn’t been a problem since I dunno, conception? 70’s... (which was all pro at the time)
 

Zero000

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Jul 28, 2014
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I stream TIDAL from an nVidia Shield via HDMI into a 4K UST projector using the projector's coax out.

The projector's fan noise provides a nice bit of dither and all sounds good.

I am crazy? Probably.

I have never liked the Amanero input Lampi uses. Both optical and coax sound better. I dunno why but I find they do.

I was planning on ditching the Amanero entirely and putting a galvanically isolated board in the Lampi but it didn't happen. I might do it eventually.

BTW I have signed up to Amazon Music and I will probably stop my TIDAL subscription as a result.
 
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analogsa

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Getting a successful digital signal to a DAC hasn’t been a problem since I dunno, conception

There is quite a gap between that stage and getting an even remotely pleasing sound. Why do you think so many insist on keeping their old optical players?
 

Folsom

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There is quite a gap between that stage and getting an even remotely pleasing sound. Why do you think so many insist on keeping their old optical players?

We like the CD format, an actual object. No need to handle a computer or make extra choices.
 

Al M.

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There is quite a gap between that stage and getting an even remotely pleasing sound. Why do you think so many insist on keeping their old optical players?

Because like me they have heard how hard, even not impossible, it is to make computer audio (server or streamer) sound as good. A friend now also spins physical CDs if he wants the best sound, even though he had been into computer audio for a long time and loves the convenience.
 
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Jesus R

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Are you the Sonore dealer? I see no other recommendations for those units from the guys on here (not that they look bad!)
I'm the owner/founder of Sonore. FYI The software we co developed for the Sonore Rendu series and the SGC Transporter series has been utilized by several companies mentioned here-in.
 

yoby

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Nov 16, 2017
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Why can't an SSD be installed into the Innuous Zen MK3 (like the Zenith) instead of a standard hard drive?
 

the sound of Tao

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We don't mind digital guys hopping onto analog threads.
The only absolutely digital guy I know is a proctologist... the rest of us are just broadly diverse music lovin audiofiends with the occasional implicit set of opinions.
 
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DSkip

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Because like me they have heard how hard, even not impossible, it is to make computer audio (server or streamer) sound as good. A friend now also spins physical CDs if he wants the best sound, even though he had been into computer audio for a long time and loves the convenience.

I believe a low noise streamer is the way to get this accomplished. I find software to be a limiting factor which might be why cd still sounds better. I can say that the streaming front end I have had converted a handful of analog enthusiasts to digital.
 

Tim F

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Jun 11, 2018
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I'd like to hear more from those convinced computer audio is the way to go. What did you try before you came to that conclusion?

Thanks all for the input so far, interesting stuff!
 

analogsa

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I just thought that because it's not offered as an option from the manufacturer or dealer that it wouldn't be possible.


Cannot think of a technical reason for that. It looks like an ugly attempt for market segmentation. Who in their right mind would buy anything with a hdd today?
 

Al M.

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I believe a low noise streamer is the way to get this accomplished. I find software to be a limiting factor which might be why cd still sounds better. I can say that the streaming front end I have had converted a handful of analog enthusiasts to digital.

Yes, once you get the noise problem under control you should be fine, since jitter from computer audio should be low. But it doesn't seem an automatic given that it's so easy. While ethernet connection may be better in that respect than USB, it alone seems not necessarily to be the all encompassing solution.
 

DSkip

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Yes, once you get the noise problem under control you should be fine, since jitter from computer audio should be low. But it doesn't seem an automatic given that it's so easy. While ethernet connection may be better in that respect than USB, it alone seems not necessarily to be the all encompassing solution.

I’m talking low electrical and mechanical noise, not so much jitter (not to downplay its importance). This is why I like streaming transports as they reduce the amount of electrical devices within the units.

I’m not sure if it’s a unique stance, but I’ve come to really enjoy integrated amps but prefer separates when it comes to digital. Separate streamer, separate dac, and if you need a server, keep that separate as well.
 
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