Well, I now have a streaming issue.

I have a mac mini that I have updated with RAM, SS drives, power supply, etc.  So I have some money invested.  I think it sounds pretty good - at least with Audirvana.

But Audirvana switched to a subscription model and dropped support for their hybrid (on disk / online) player.  The issue is it skips and sometimes cuts the song short by 5 seconds or so.  I've read all the threads on the issue and it is what it is.  Audirvana won't even respond about the issue anymore.

So I say I'll see if using the Tidal player will work.  I click on it and it says it will not work on my version of the Mac OS I'm on.  I try to update and I'm at the end of the road so no go.  I try the Tidal Web player and it constantly glitches out.

Audirvana has the ability to stream other services, but while I have firsthand heard the sound quality difference between Qobuz and Tidal, it still doesn't seem to have all the music I want to listen to.  

I think my best option is to leave the Mac platform (my use dates back to early iTunes) and go to a streamer.

I like, but don't love my DAC so I could get by with a streamer only unit.  I liked what I heard with the Cambridge at DecFest so a combo unit is an option.

Anyway, can you guys recommend what you like so I can begin my research with a little direction?

Thanks

Thanks.  I tried a Pi setup with Volumio and didn't have any luck and I gave it to my daughter to use in her robot build.  That was a few years ago.

Maybe I take it back and give it another try.  Certainly budget friendly.

I feel your pain, Palomino. I went through the same thing last year. The PC I was using was experiencing planned obsolescence and the whole configuration in my hifi was so complicated I was the only one that could listen to music on it. I posed a similar question elsewhere in the forum and ended up settling on the CXNv2. I couldn’t be happier. I love the sound. I love the remote. I love the simplicity. I love that I can run it in preamp mode to control my front end. And it has all the input options that I need which allows me to turn my zkit essentially into an integrated amp. I primarily stream Spotify and Qobuz. I’ve had one issue with the Cambridge ap that controls it from your phone and their tech support was great. I doubt it was just me but literally after they worked with me for a couple days on the problem a new ap version and firmware update was released that solved the problem. Just my two cents.

Maybe I can help...

Other than the inexpensive Raspberry Pi options, there are:

iFi Streamer for $399 – Thomas & Stereo review said it was better than the Bluesound Node which sells for $599. I am currently using the iFi, it's great and will certainly tide me over until I'm ready to spend much more for an upgrade.

Holo Audio of May DAC fame has their RED Network Streamer for $798 – I haven’t heard it, but others I know claim it is a step up from the iFi.

Small Green Computer has their Sonore Rendu line, with the UltraRendu selling for $999. They specialize in networking audio fidelity, and the top-of-the-line Rendu complete with optical fiber modules and linear power supplies will run over $2k, but are worth the money.

PS Audio has their new AirLens streamer due to be available any day for $2000. This is fully galvanically isolated with an extremely low noise floor...but lacks MQA support.

I believe you can use Roon with all of these, which gives you remote control. And, the iFi allows Bluetooth remote as well.

Michael

That’s a bummer!

Good suggestions from folks. I’m familiar with the Cambridge unit it’s a good unit.  

2 more options for consideration.

SMSL SD9 $400 I’m skeptical about this one. People seem to really like this little guy. This would need some research to see if it will work for you.

 Innuos PulseMini $1,300. Like the Cambridge it’s a streamer and DAC. Not sure the level of performance, worth looking into.

Edit: removed over budget suggestion.

Thanks.  Yes, I would bypass the DAC unless I liked it more.  It sounded good to me at Decfest.  I also heard you could modify it to take it to the next level.

Pal,

I started out with Audirvāna and did like it.  Like yourself I saw some glitches a while back, and decided to moved away from it.  To keep me busy in the interim, I bought a Google Chromecast Audio that has a combo 3.5/micro spdif out.  It’s output is limited to 96/24 lossless.  For about $120 it kept me busy for a long time. I still use it now if I don’t want to fire up my laptop.

Now I run a Raspberry Pi4 utilizing Ropiee which ties into my laptop running Roon.  The Pi has an Ethernet, USB, and HDMI output.  I use the Ethernet port because I hate WiFi for the signal.  The HDMI feed ties into my laptop for sending a signal to my Google Chromecast TV which allows for a nice visual experience for album cover,  track playback, and Karaoke ques for songs embedded with that information.  The USB output goes to my Schiit Bifrost Gen 2 Dac.  Their unison USB input is truly remarkable, and totally aces the optical input.  Roon is the only higher ticket item….but I can say that the more I use…the more I am temped to bite the bullet and buy the lifetime subscription.  With the ability to combine Tidal and Qobuz under one platform is a great feature.  I just wish Spotify would climb on board, but I’m sure it’s their ego getting in the way.  

If I were to change my setup now…..I would jump into the Small Green computer ASAP…probably with the Ultrarendu and fiber module.   I don’t think you can get much better than a purpose built computer.  You can find a used MicroRendu on the used market as an affordable option.  

Hope this helps.
Dom

Tom,

+1 for Innuos

I have their new mid-tier Pulse, which I’m really happy with but their line does start with the Pulse Mini ($1249).

I also agree that you may also want to look in to the new Holo Audio Red streamer.

You also can’t go wrong with ifi and Bluesound Node.  I also have a latest gen Bluesound Node 130 on sale.  My only concern with ifi is that their software platform may not be as rock solid as Bluesound.

Here’s what I can offer.  I have a (latest gen) Bluesound Node for sale. I can take off the listing and lend it to you to test out.  If you don’t like it, just send it back.

I bought my Cambridge CXN-V2 from their official eBay store for $750 plus tax.

Same warranty as new - I've had mine for about a year and half - no problems so far - completed the latest firmware update yesterday

https://www.ebay.com/str/cambridgeaudiousa

Sam

HK,

Don't count on Modwright's mod. He told me that he had issues getting parts from the manufacturer for repairs. Cambridge will not honor warranties with the mod. Dan carried that obligation with his mod. Dan said he is not offering the mod anymore because of this.

Sucks!

John

I've had a Holo Audio Red Streamer in the house for over a week now.
You may want to look into it for your needs.
The manual is available on the Kitsune website.
Or visit the Holo Red thread on Head-Fi.org .
I am running it as an NAA up against my Signature Rendu SE optical.
I have a clocked EtherREGEN feeding it.
So far its a keeper.

I do not know if it is MQA compliant, I have no issues with 1.4/1.5 MHz PCM  via USB.

Interesting that the core of the Holo Red is the Pi4.  I checked my Pi and it is not a 4.

Weirdly enough, I made a few tweaks to my Audirvana settings and it played perfectly last night for a few hours.  Could have been a fluke.  I'll try again today.

Pal,
I have a spare PI2AES you can have.  The only drawback is it not wifi.  Just pay for shipping.
Bob

I've been satisfied with my Bluesound Node as streamer only. The Node is connected to a Denfrips DAC. It has most of the features you are looking for. For what its worth , Cambridge Audio recently released two entry level streamer/DAC for $499 and $599. Also, Pi 2 Design has their Mercury V2 for $800, which is a streamer only with no internal DAC.

I have an older Mac mini running Roon. I was also using Audirvana for several years before it changed to the subscription model. Didn't like it after the 3.5 version.

I'd recommend trying Roon. I was skeptical before, but it is so much nicer to use and you can use a phone, iPad or Macbook as a remote to control it too.

I stream Qobuz through it and it manages my ripped media well - much more seamlessly than Audirvana. Cheers - Scott

Just an FYI for anyone wanting to get into streaming.

Two days ago my CXNv2 preamp/DAC section went South on me.  Terror struck as I  only stream.  Went on Amazon and ordered a Wiim Pro as a replacement.  Package arrived yesterday evening.  Hooked it up this morning only to find that the sound quality was inferior to the CXN.  Returned it this afternoon.

The good news is that I tried the glass optical cable to the Teac DAC and the CXN is back to normal.

Very interesting that a similar product has the same issue.  Your experience gives me a little comfort.

This CXN has given great service for three years at least.  It is all good right now.

Fingers crossed!

Streamer only, no DAC: Lumin U2 Mini.  Simply put... OUTSTANDING!

Caveat:  If it already has not been mentioned, make sure you have a good ethernet filter or filtering system!