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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 16, 2022 11:24:11 GMT -5
I've recently converted my Mac mini to a NUC running Roon ROCK. So far, so good.
I've also discovered that my 6TB music library drive is no longer as mechanically quiet as it once was. This is probably a harbinger of end-of-life failure (and I do have it backed up). But while I wring the last moments of successful storage from my noisy drive, I'm contemplating moving both NUC and drive to my computer room. This means I'll need some new equipment for the living room stereo rack (and y'all know how much I avoid new equipment...).
I could fulfill my needs with three components:
A streamer (Ethernet input and DAC-ready output)
A DAC and
A preamplifier
But of course, I'm wondering if I can find all three in a single box? Were I to design my perfect solution, I would have the following features:
1. Ethernet input
2. Built-in, high-quality DAC
3. Remote volume control in the preamp section
4. Vacuum tube output stage to amplifier(s)
I know the last feature will be the hardest to source... I might be able to get features 1 through 3 together and then add a tube buffer stage to the analog outputs?
In any case, does anyone know of a "full featured streamer" that will do what I'm looking for?
Thanks - Boom
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Post by brutiarti on Nov 16, 2022 12:08:43 GMT -5
What is your $$$ limit??
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 16, 2022 12:35:35 GMT -5
He has to find it at a yard sale! 🙂 |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 16, 2022 12:44:34 GMT -5
Actually, I may have already found a solution. Digging around in my desk drawer, I stumbled across a (previously-forgotten) Apple Store credit of $160. The Apple TV4K sells for $129 plus tax AND it features an Ethernet input with a TOSLINK output.
It will work with Roon, and I have multiple DACs and preamps already available. With the addition of a tube buffer, this may be the solution I was looking for.
Boom
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 16, 2022 13:03:42 GMT -5
Actually, I may have already found a solution. Digging around in my desk drawer, I stumbled across a (previously-forgotten) Apple Store credit of $160. The Apple TV4K sells for $129 plus tax AND it features an Ethernet input with a TOSLINK output. It will work with Roon, and I have multiple DACs and preamps already available. With the addition of a tube buffer, this may be the solution I was looking for. Boom While I think the TV is a great device and listen to music regularly with it, be aware that it resamples everything to 48/24, so it's good, but not bit perfect. Also the new TV (just released) has a lower price, so your credit will be just right for the top 128MB / Ethernet model. Edit: The $129 model does not have ethernet, and TVs haven't had TOSLink for years, so you're also restricted to HDMI connectivity. |
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Post by audiobill on Nov 16, 2022 15:49:51 GMT -5
HiFi Rose RS150B or 250...
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 16, 2022 21:27:57 GMT -5
Apple TV is NOT an audio streamer option. The previous Apple TV (model 3) had a TOSLINK output, but the current version (model 4) has ONLY a HDMI out.
Why Apple would choose to DELETE a valuable feature from an “upgrade” product is a mystery to me, but they’ve lost my purchase money.
So I’m streamer shopping again. Maybe a $300-500 budget?
Boom
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 16, 2022 22:11:33 GMT -5
Apple TV is NOT an audio streamer option. The previous Apple TV (model 3) had a TOSLINK output, but the current version (model 4) has ONLY a HDMI out. Why Apple would choose to DELETE a valuable feature from an “upgrade” product is a mystery to me, but they’ve lost my purchase money. So I’m streamer shopping again. Maybe a $300-500 budget? Boom I’d just say you’re out of touch with this product, and I was surprised you even considered it. The last version that had TOSLink (the TV series 3) came out in 2012, TV has not had TOSLink since the Gen 4 / HD model came out in 2015. The model that was just released, is the TV4KG3 or TV Series 7 … your ‘previous model’ was long ago. |
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Post by brutiarti on Nov 16, 2022 22:12:46 GMT -5
Apple TV is NOT an audio streamer option. The previous Apple TV (model 3) had a TOSLINK output, but the current version (model 4) has ONLY a HDMI out. Why Apple would choose to DELETE a valuable feature from an “upgrade” product is a mystery to me, but they’ve lost my purchase money. So I’m streamer shopping again. Maybe a $300-500 budget? Boom Ifi Zen Strem $400 |
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Post by audiobill on Nov 17, 2022 5:45:18 GMT -5
Bluesound Node?
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 17, 2022 5:58:19 GMT -5
It’s an option… But a used streamer might also be: Apple TV ver. 3 = $20 Auralic Aries = $800 |
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Post by brubacca on Nov 17, 2022 20:22:33 GMT -5
Apple TV as Audio Device is not going to meet your standards.
Be careful with that Auralic Aries. Make Sure its Roon Compliant.
If you only want a digital output to a Dac then products from companies like Sonore (Micro Rendu) and Sotm (SMS-200) give you a high quality USB out. You can build an inexpensive digital output streamer by using a Raspberry Pi4 and Pi2AES-Lite Module.
Commercial Products like Bluesound Node (version 2i is a generation old and popping up on usual sites) have digital out as well. Cambridge Audio CXN v2 or Azur 851N have stellar reputations that include Analog Outs. Matrix Audio has some options with ESS Dacs. iFi Audio has their new NEO Stream at $1,300 that looks interesting. Beyond that you are in the $2k+ price range.
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Post by rbk123 on Nov 17, 2022 21:04:21 GMT -5
Why Apple would choose to DELETE a valuable feature from an “upgrade” product is a mystery to me, but they’ve lost my purchase money. Don't they *win* if you don't end up using that credit they gave you? Just sayin'..... |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 17, 2022 23:35:59 GMT -5
Don't they *win* if you don't end up using that credit they gave you? Just sayin'..... The credit is good forever (says so on their card). Sooner or later, I’ll need or want something there. If not, it’ll be a Christmas gift for my daughter. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 18, 2022 0:34:00 GMT -5
Also, a question please on streamers in general:
Assuming that you’re using a DAC that has asynchronous USB, is it actually possible for the streamer to have ANY effect on sound quality? It would seem that any streamer has but a dirt-simple task - take an incoming Wi-Fi or Ethernet signal and output it as either USB or TOSLINK.
The DAC is doing all the heavy lifting - reclocking and buffering the audio stream and then converting it to analog.
Provided that the streamer is working properly, I just don’t understand how it could affect sound quality at all..
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Post by brubacca on Nov 19, 2022 8:20:55 GMT -5
Also, a question please on streamers in general: Assuming that you’re using a DAC that has asynchronous USB, is it actually possible for the streamer to have ANY effect on sound quality? It would seem that any streamer has but a dirt-simple task - take an incoming Wi-Fi or Ethernet signal and output it as either USB or TOSLINK. The DAC is doing all the heavy lifting - reclocking and buffering the audio stream and then converting it to analog. Provided that the streamer is working properly, I just don’t understand how it could affect sound quality at all.. Personally I have observed a noticeable difference in sound quality between different devices. Its been many years and many products trying to dispel this, but to me it is the case. I absolutely think that your ears are more discerning than mine and I believe you would also hear a difference. Good luck |
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Post by Boomzilla on Nov 22, 2022 23:52:52 GMT -5
Hi brubacca - I agree. There is a DEFINITE difference between having my NUC/ROCK connected directly to my DAC via USB and having NUC/ROCK - Ethernet - Apple TV - TOSLINK optical - DAC. With the direct USB connection, my midrange and lower treble were a touch thin-sounding. With the Apple TV and 0ptical connection, the system sounds more balanced from upper bass to high treble. This may not be the case for others, but fortuitous circumstance favors the Apple TV in my system. But the difference is PLAINLY audible, so digits aren't just digits in this system. In this case, your "Good luck" wish struck a home run! Thanks - Glenn |
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