Results 1 to 22 of 22
-
November 8, 2023, 02:10 AM #1
I Need A Stereo Streamer With Transformers or $5000
Must be absolutely mastering grade. A steamer dedicated to 2-channel.
I love trafos. NO MQA. NO ROON.
I have DACs. I don't need D/A
-
November 8, 2023, 04:35 AM #2
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
Have you looked at the new HiFi Rose RS130?
Not exactly "mastering grade" but very very good for about $5k
HiFi ROSE RS130
The offerings from Lumin (U1/U2) and Aurender (N150/200) are also pretty good options.
Also very interested in knowing why you are so particular about the transformers.
Good luck with your search!
.2 Channel Stereo :
Custom Win10 Transport | Mutec MC-3+ USB | Lampizator Amber | Acoustic Portrait Thiyaga | ATC SCM20PSL + JL Audio E-Sub e110
-
November 8, 2023, 07:44 AM #3
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
Interesting request. First, let’s define “streamer”. Are you looking for a product that receives data from your Ethernet (wired or WiFi), and outputs that file to your existing DAC via USB, SPDIF, or I2S? That’s my assumption.
There is no analog segment in this type device to utilize a transformer. I have seen transformers used for isolation purposes, or in a linear power supply. I had a DAC which used a transformer in the PSU, small transformers at the SPDIF, and I/V transformers between the DAC board and analog output board, then big output transformers. DAC though, which you are not wanting.
There are some custom PCs which will work as streamers, which have linear power supples with transformers (external PSU, and the Taiko with internal PSU). Perhaps that’s what you are seeking?
Many less expensive streamers can be upgraded with an external linear power supply containing a transformer.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
-
November 8, 2023, 11:32 AM #4
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
you can keep your streamer, I'll take the 5k !
Cheers ! …. Dave
-
November 8, 2023, 07:33 PM #5
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
Nikhil, thanks! for your post. The RS130 features looks fantastic and now at the top of my list. I was waiting for them to come out with another/"2nd generation" box since first learning of the brand a year ago.
I've downloaded their manual to study. External clock in! I can use my Grimm Dac clock, at least to try it. All kinds of other desireable features with this streamer; fiber optic, on board ssd, touch screen. Wow, really cool. Looks like just the ticket. Has a remote too! MQA only con (for me).Digital: LUMIN Music D2, Marantz SA-KI Ruby SACD player DAC| Berkeley Alpha DAC Series 3, Grimm Audio UC1
TT: MoFi Studiodeck +Mastertracker Phono: Parasound JC3+, QHW The Vinyl
Line: Parasound JC2BP, Dennis Had L-2030 Tube
Int: PM-Ki Ruby Monoblocks: Parasound JC1+, Manley Mahi-Mahi EL84, Dayens Ampino (A/B)
Amps: Parasound JC5, Pass Labs XA-25, First Watt J2, F7, Dennis Had Inspire tube roller
Speakers: Omega Loudspeakers assort: DynaTen (Dynaco Seas A26), single driver and 1.5 way boxes; Evolution Acoustics MicroOne 5.1; MAGNAT 15" Transpuls 3-ways
Wire: A: Acoustic Zen all through. B: Supra DIY all through.
-
November 8, 2023, 07:41 PM #6
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
Bones13, thanks and very insightful info! and good food for thought.
Yes, ethernet, Qobuz, Tidal. The Rose looks like where I want to be but building a custom PC is something I've always wondered about. The Rose has SSD on board slot so I can expand my library there, might even buy some titles to put money toward artists in addtion to stream subscription. Also will be nice to load my own files and keep out of the computer. But right, mainly ethernet copper or fiber optiic.
I probably got carried away with the transformers idea (ie Lundahl) isn't really a must for me. The Rose seems to have a beefy LPS and also a remote. So I'd have it all sorted in one box if I go that route (likely).
-
November 8, 2023, 07:58 PM #7
-
November 8, 2023, 08:07 PM #8
-
November 8, 2023, 09:47 PM #9
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
I see the RS130 has a dedicated ground post! And an actual easy reset button not some adult-proof pinhole. (pinhole is probably best, but, ugh)
I wonder how Rose keeps the noise out from that giant touch screen? If the screen is left on to see the cool meters, I guess they must be blocking the noise some how.
Does anyone have anything cautionary to say about Rose? The one thing I wonder about is Rose's attention to firmware and app updates. My current streamer (in signature) is very good and persistent about being on top of that, and quit active here on the A.S. boards and other boards too (Roon boards). It's going to be near impossible to top LM in terms of board presence.
ps. I need to give Mike a call.Digital: LUMIN Music D2, Marantz SA-KI Ruby SACD player DAC| Berkeley Alpha DAC Series 3, Grimm Audio UC1
TT: MoFi Studiodeck +Mastertracker Phono: Parasound JC3+, QHW The Vinyl
Line: Parasound JC2BP, Dennis Had L-2030 Tube
Int: PM-Ki Ruby Monoblocks: Parasound JC1+, Manley Mahi-Mahi EL84, Dayens Ampino (A/B)
Amps: Parasound JC5, Pass Labs XA-25, First Watt J2, F7, Dennis Had Inspire tube roller
Speakers: Omega Loudspeakers assort: DynaTen (Dynaco Seas A26), single driver and 1.5 way boxes; Evolution Acoustics MicroOne 5.1; MAGNAT 15" Transpuls 3-ways
Wire: A: Acoustic Zen all through. B: Supra DIY all through.
-
November 8, 2023, 09:53 PM #10
-
November 9, 2023, 07:42 AM #11
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
I'd opt for something that has a slot for an optical transceiver along with the usual wired Ethernet input. All wired Ethernet inputs will be transformer coupled - its in the spec. S\PDIF and AES/EBU outputs are usually transformer coupled but you need to check with the manufacturer. USB Outputs are not transformer coupled and also bridge power and ground to your DAC so it matters a lot on how the manufacturer implements it and USB cables really matter as well. An in-bome audition is highly recommended for this reason.
Happy hunting!Tom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
-
November 9, 2023, 12:45 PM #12
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
> Does anyone have anything cautionary to say about Rose?
When I last looked at a Rose streamer, the app was only available for Android and iPad - not Windows, Mac, etc. It was decidedly clunky compared with BluOS.
Personally, I'm looking at the NAD M66 for streaming as well as DAC and pre in a single case.Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified
-
November 10, 2023, 10:39 AM #13
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
Rose is new to the high end HiFi scene. Its parent company Citech has been around for awhile. Their stock is publicly traded. The parent manufacturers retail point of sale equipment so they have some serious IT chops.
Citech Co., Ltd
11F, 932 Yangjae-daero, Songpa-gu
Seoul, South Korea
HiFi Rose products are complicated HW/SW systems and there will be some teething pains.
They have a community for users - it would be worth understanding what owners are running into. But like any other community forum you only hear about people having issues.
This thing does a lot more than a simple streamer - it has 2 CPU’s and a GPU. It will stream 4K video via HDMI. Given all the complexity it would be great to see an objective review of how it performs. Haven’t found one yet.
Anyway, I think this is a cool and kind of disruptive product (ROON in a box w/DAC’s) from a large-ish company that, while new to audio, has been in business for over 50 years.
Tom’s note: Streamers at their core are really quite simple devices - taking Ethernet packet based data and reformatting it to S/PDIF, AES/EBU and USB serial data streams. Low power, low noise microprocessors can do this easily. There are very simple devices available that provide this capability. But they require software like ROON or LMS to operate. HiFi Rose removes all that complexity and provides a platform that can eliminate the need for a complicated IT infrastructure just to feed a DAC.Tom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
-
November 10, 2023, 12:23 PM #14
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
In fact the Rose R130 that was being discussed is a simple "streamer transport" with no DAC and it's not yet Roon Ready. Rose has been around for 4 or 5 years at least, so is pretty well established.
The R150 that I had been looking at has a few great features I've not found on any other streamer, in particular its ability to access YouTube directly and to send its video content to a connected TV while processing the audio without resorting to TV or PC. And the clever part is, it does this ad free!
On the other hand, the used market is flooded with Rose stuff, so perhaps many people fall out of love with it.Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified
-
November 10, 2023, 03:37 PM #15
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
The Lumin U2 has a built-in linear power supply with Lundahl transformers. It also has a ground terminal, SFP optical input, and, a newly-designed “Direct-Coupled” USB digital audio output port specifically designed for connecting USB audio components, e.g. USB DACs.
I have one here for review and it's truly excellent. It would be my top recommendation for someone looking for a streamer in this price range.
-
November 10, 2023, 07:45 PM #16
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
In your review please include your views on the Lumin app. What platforms it can be used on, how intuitive is it, etc. If you need to resort to Roon, this would be useful to know as it would rule out Lumin for me, or any other brand that offers a poor control app. Thanks
Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified
-
November 11, 2023, 10:01 AM #17
- Join Date
- Mar 2020
- Location
- Detroit area
- Posts
- 208
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
I can offer a review of the LUMIN App from a daily user streaming Qobuz and Internet Radio (my own TuneIn stations and even better, Radio Paradise and other stations in FLAC) to LUMIN T2 and D2: It works very well for me. It is reliable, easy to use once you familiarize yourself with the settings and sounds great. I have not felt the need to try Roon or any of the other apps. (The LUMIN App just works.)
-
November 11, 2023, 01:39 PM #18
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
I'd agree on all points. I'll just add that you can also switch between using the Lumin app and Roon for any given music track being played simply by using each app for the specific music track you want to play. You can very simply do this from your smartphone or tablet (I can't speak to Android as I only use iOS devices).
Playing the same track using the Lumin app, or Roon, the Lumin app sounds a bit better. Not night and day, but it's clearly better-sounding.
Also for Lumin products that use the LEEDH volume control (e.g. the P1, etc) for playback volume, you can also adjust the output volume from the smart device, as well.
-
November 11, 2023, 08:50 PM #19
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
You could also take a look at the Lumin UX1, since you don't need a DAC.
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
-
November 12, 2023, 09:15 AM #20
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
I had the RS 150B on trial two years ago and it was a fantastic piece of gear. Build quality was top notch and feature list was second to none. They had seemingly packed the 150B with every conceivable audio tech that one could possibly think of. My opinion was that I really would have liked it to be a pure network transport/streamer minus the DAC. Looks like they have listened to the feedback and the RS130 is exactly that. They have added a linear power supply with super capacitor, external clocking options and an upgraded LCD panel that looks great from all reviews available.
If you are looking for a negative - the only thing I could offer is that the Rose OS was a bit laggy on the 150B. They have upgraded the processing power of the 130 but I would suggest checking for that.
.2 Channel Stereo :
Custom Win10 Transport | Mutec MC-3+ USB | Lampizator Amber | Acoustic Portrait Thiyaga | ATC SCM20PSL + JL Audio E-Sub e110
-
November 12, 2023, 10:56 AM #21
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
-
November 12, 2023, 02:16 PM #22
Re: I Need A Streamer With Transformers or $5000
"We are all billionaires because of the huge piles sweet dough rolling in from our participation in the ongoing campaign to suck your collective brains through a stirrer-straw." - PTA Editorial Staff
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
They had the new unit at Axpona paired with the F-02 in a good, not uber expensive system, and it was clear the new unit was contributing extensively to the quality of that room's sound. Sent from...
Esoteric announce new model N-01XD...