Looking for a networking streamer

madfloyd

madfloyd

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Hi, I'm looking for suggestions for a device that accepts ethernet, acts as a Roon endpoint and outputs AES/XLR.

Of course, I'd like the best one that doesn't cost the same as an automobile. :)

I currently use a Vivaldi Upsampler but given that I don't use the 'upsampler' part of it, it's overkill for my needs (although it sounds amazing...)


Thanks in advance!
 
The Aurender W20 outputs dual AES/EBU, the Lumin U1 outputs AES/EBU and is a Roon endpoint.


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JGlacken said:
The Bricasti M1SE can have a network board installed and is Roon Ready!
Click to expand...

I second the M1SE Bricasti. It’s a monster for the price. Network card sounds a lot better than USB too! You also have a very good pre section built in and can sell your pre - it’s better than most preamps up to 5 figures or better.


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Aurender N10, while a step below the W20, it’s also a powerhouse


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madfloyd said:
Hi, I'm looking for suggestions for a device that accepts ethernet, acts as a Roon endpoint and outputs AES/XLR.

Of course, I'd like the best one that doesn't cost the same as an automobile. :)

I currently use a Vivaldi Upsampler but given that I don't use the 'upsampler' part of it, it's overkill for my needs (although it sounds amazing...)

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

You don’t mention how much you want to spend.

The Oppo 205 will do all that. They have been discontinued and the price has gone up. Probably several thousand dollars now.

I also own a Logitech Transporter that does all that as well. Less than 1k.
 
madfloyd said:
Hi, I'm looking for suggestions for a device that accepts ethernet, acts as a Roon endpoint and outputs AES/XLR.

Of course, I'd like the best one that doesn't cost the same as an automobile. :)

I currently use a Vivaldi Upsampler but given that I don't use the 'upsampler' part of it, it's overkill for my needs (although it sounds amazing...)



Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...


If you are DCS Vivaldi owner; wouldn't the DCS Network Bridge be the natural choice? Dual AES out and its a Roon endpoint.
 
If you are going to keep the DCS DAC I would look at the Lumin U1 first plus another member has a less than a year old one for sale in the "Market" for a great price so you can try it and if not your thing sell it at little to no loss.
 
madfloyd said:
Well one reason is I don't want to give DCS any more money.
Click to expand...

Or take that money you would put toward a streamer and use that and trade the DCS for an MSB with the Ethernet Roon Renderer module.


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Mike said:
Or take that money you would put toward a streamer and use that and trade the DCS for an MSB with the Ethernet Roon Renderer module.


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Click to expand...


Well that was the plan until I lost a boatload on another component... now I don't have enough to afford the MSB.
 
Of course if you want something on the cheapish side try the Bricasti M5. Roon endpoint with AES output. My brother tried it and said it’s very good for the money. He’s going to get one. There are a couple of reviews online.

But it’s not quite as good as the dCS network bridge according to the review.
 
I appreciate all the replies, guys. The offer I have for my Vivaldi is 9k and it seems like I'd have to spend a good chunk of that to replace its network functionality and apparently even the DCS Network Bridge isn't quite as good so I guess I'll just hang on to it.
 
madfloyd said:
Well that was the plan until I lost a boatload on another component... now I don't have enough to afford the MSB.
Click to expand...

Hi Ian,

Even if you do the base Reference DAC with the Renderer input module, you will be blown away. You can add the upgraded clock and powerbases over time.

Best,
Ken
 
Alpinist said:
Hi Ian,

Even if you do the base Reference DAC with the Renderer input module, you will be blown away. You can add the upgraded clock and powerbases over time.

Best,
Ken
Click to expand...

I don't doubt that. I was going to go for the Premier (one model up from the bottom) and hope to trade up afterwards to the Reference (especially since the renderer module would still work) but even the Premier is over 20k and after a big loss selling my CJ GAT2 I don't have that luxury. The high end resale market is terrible these days.
 
Generally speaking, the best thing is to avoid the "generalist" products like Aurender and go with something that was designed to work with your DAC, as the generalist product will not likely be matched up as well as something from the same company.

dCS - dCS network bridge
Totaldac - Totaldac streamer
Naim dacs- Naim server core
Msb- Msb ethernet plug in
etc.

Digital products are complex and behave in ways no one really understands. When DACs and streamaers are designed together by the same company, there is less risk for your and less of a crap shoot. YMMV!
 
What out of curiosity, don't you like about dCS? What makes you think MSB will be better? It's all a personal choice...many excellent products and no losers, but matching to one's taste and system synergy.

And if you go with the network bridge for your current DAC, the bridge is under $5K, you shouldn't lose more than $1000-$1500, as they are in high demand. Someone always looking for that silver bullet...
 
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