[carusoracer]

Hello seeking out advice on Streamers sub $1K new or pre owned.

This would be paired with Denafrips Pontus DAC

Preference:
Wireless Capable
Roon Ready Certified
(2) USB ports. NAS capable and NAS output
Is2/HDMI Capable
External ability for PS upgrade
Femto Clocks
Capable processor
FPGA
Firmware Upgrades
Circa 2017 and ^ product

**I have an ongoing issue with Auralic beta firmware upgrade that has disabled my systems ability to read the DAC.  Therefore looking at the market for other streamers.



*See system in my signature line. 2 Ch Audio

Looking forward to seeing any and replies. Thanks for looking!

[sledwards]

If the I2S capability is high on your list, then the Mano may be your best bet. https://www.magnahifi.com/en/webshop/product/mh-he-pi2s
There are just not that many streamers out there that have I2S output. The Mano is limited  to 192/24 and DSD64.

Steve

[witchdoctor]

This will be above your price point but adds Dirac and MQA:

https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/NAD_C658_Data_Sheet.pdf

[ttan98]

This will be above your price point but adds Dirac and MQA:

https://nadelectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/NAD_C658_Data_Sheet.pdf

Hi
I am a little behind in the latest technology in the music streamer, what is Dirac, MQA or BluOS? if it takes too long to explain point me to a site that summaries everything. Thanks.

[JLM]

Hi
I am a little behind in the latest technology in the music streamer, what is Dirac, MQA or BluOS? if it takes too long to explain point me to a site that summaries everything. Thanks.

Dirac (or Dirac Live) is a digital signal processing software to measure your space (frequency/phase response) using a recommended calibrated USB microphone and then allows the user to make adjustments.  A freeware alternative, REW (Room EQ Wizard) is more flexible but harder to use.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a Meridian (high-end audio company from the UK) sponsored digital format to "squeeze" high resolution formats into Redbook (CD format) using re-mastered versions of original recordings.  Mostly found in Tidal (a CD quality subscription service with millions of songs in it's library), it requires compatible hardware to fully use it but can run through any CD quality system.  It's benefits continue to be debated and most hardware vendors have not signed on.

BluOS is a proprietary operating system for accessing stored or streamed digital musical libraries developed by NAD and used in their label products and (originally) their BlueSound spin off brand of gear.

[JLM]

Good luck finding all that in any product, at any price, new or especially used Carusoracer. 

[witchdoctor]

Hi
I am a little behind in the latest technology in the music streamer, what is Dirac, MQA or BluOS? if it takes too long to explain point me to a site that summaries everything. Thanks.

Here is a video that reviews the benefit of Dirac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upzU4YfhW0w

and one that explains the benefits of MQA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iF9_3DLEbk

and Bluos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AleULOxiMX4

[skunark]

This fits the bill minus the field programable gate array:

https://roonlabs.com/partners/hifiberry.html

Raspberry Pi 3 + HifiBerry Dac+/Digi+  + ifi USB power supply with one of their OS images.  If you need i2s, there are articles showing you how to mod the Digi+.   

Probably set you back around $150.  You can also get the Bryston Pi if you want a linear supply but the iFi supply is highly regarded.

FPGA shouldn’t be on your list, ASIC is a hardened version of one.  FPGAs are fine, but is marketing as there will be a limited window to provide updates assuming there is room with in the constrained resouces.    In other words it would be difficult to add a new feature like a brand new codec, but it is likely a bug fix to a codec could happen. 

[JerryM]

… Raspberry Pi 3 + HifiBerry Dac+/Digi+  + ifi USB power supply with one of their OS images.  If you need i2s, there are articles showing you how to mod the Digi+.    …

Yes, that's outstanding advice. When I built my R-Pi streamer, the Allo DigiOne sounded eminently better than the very good HiFiberry. I built the player with the 3+, but added an official Raspberry pi touchscreen display. Works perfectly and sounds awesome. I'm building a new streamer soon which will utilize the Allo DigiOne Signature boards, independent power supplies, touchscreen, and more.

DIY is your best friend right now; don't let it scare you off. 

Have fun,

Jerry

[firedog]

Hello seeking out advice on Streamers sub $1K new or pre owned.

This would be paired with Denafrips Pontus DAC

Preference:
Wireless Capable
Roon Ready Certified
(2) USB ports. NAS capable and NAS output
Is2/HDMI Capable
External ability for PS upgrade
Femto Clocks
Capable processor
FPGA
Firmware Upgrades
Circa 2017 and ^ product

**I have an ongoing issue with Auralic beta firmware upgrade that has disabled my systems ability to read the DAC.  Therefore looking at the market for other streamers.



*See system in my signature line. 2 Ch Audio

Looking forward to seeing any and replies. Thanks for looking!

You aren't going to find all that on one unit, especially at that price. For all that, you will need at least 2 boxes. If you are willing to compromise a bit you should look at the Allo, SOtM, or Sonore streamers.

[WGH]

The Nativ Vita has almost everything on the list except the price ($1500).
I posted some info in another thread: https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=161460.msg1721092#msg1721092

Here is the rear:

[carusoracer]

https://stackaudio.co.uk/  Has anyone read about their new product, The Link Streamer?
Looks very interesting.


I’m also very intrigued about the Allo product.


Thanks for the replies.