choosing my first streamer

Discussion in 'Advice Threads' started by deathbyaudio, Jul 18, 2020.

  1. deathbyaudio

    deathbyaudio New

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    Hi all, first time poster, long time occasional lurker, music lover with next to zero technical knowledge who has invested in some decent gear over the years. I've recently upgraded my DAC from a Modi 3 to a Bifrost 2 in my two channel system (Vidar and Ascend Sierra Towers running of the preamp of a Magni Uber, which I'll probably upgrade to a Freya soon). I've been mostly listening to Tidal via my laptop USB, but I'd like to get a streamer both for sound improvements and being able to use my ipad or android phone for the UI. So, based on what I've read here and elsewhere, I'm thinking either the Pi2AES and an RPi ($250ish all in) or a B-stock microrendu ($429 plus some kind of power supply).

    Sound quality-wise, would there be perceptible differences? I'll happily 'spend' the inconvenience of assembly for the Pi2AES plus a less fancy interface via moode or volumnio in return for better SQ; conversely, happy to spend the extra $ on a microrendu if it'll sound better. . (Note that I don't have a Roon subscription and don't intend to get one, so I'd still be dealing with figuring out how access Tidal and maybe Qobuz on the microrendu). If it's a wash, I guess I'd do the Pi2AES. Though for that matter, if I was convinced I'd get significantly better sound from an ultrarendu than either of these cheaper options, I'd find the extra $.

    Thoughts?
    Many thanks
     
  2. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Hey man, if you’ve been lurking around a while, I think you’ve missed a few things that have been linked in a giant banner on top of the site forever now, which is to read the forum rules and introduce yourself before your first post.

    The other thing that we generally avoid here is new threads of one-of topics, or topics that are very specific and self-serving. This helps keep the noise down on the site. There are a number of existing threads that many knowledgeable people follow where this question could have been posed. Just keep that in mind for next time please and thanks for understanding.

    As far as your question goes, I’ve owned both of these units, and I would say most of the differences at this level of streamer are just that - differences. Not necessarily “improvements”. The other factor is the Unison USB input on the Bifrost vs. the SPDIF inputs - Unison has a bit of a sound to it, and depends what you’re looking for.

    The Pi2AES is a bit snappier and has better transients. It also retains more low level details, atmosphere and soundstaging qualities compared to the microRendu. The Microrendu into Unison will be smoother, warmer and more forgiving of poor recordings. Based on fact that Bifrost tends to already have some of these qualities, doubling down on them could make things a bit too warm, smooth and cushy - unless you’re really looking for more of that in your system, my recommendation would be for the Pi2AES as long as you are comfortable putting it together and setting up the software for your needs.

    Edit: Thanks for posting the links @gixxerwimp - too lazy to do that over and over for people.
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2020
  3. gixxerwimp

    gixxerwimp Professional tricycle rider

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  4. drgumbybrain

    drgumbybrain Science Nut

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    Hi. Last year I opened a threat just
    Like that. Please take a look in the “super search” option. The winner was allo digione, I think
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Too many infinite combinations. pi2AES from its SPDIF coax or AES outputs has a proven track record. Overall consensus is that it beats any USB including XMOS, Bananaero, Jittery-Jiggity, Mustard, Xingser, and even Schiit's fancy new in-house Unison. There is also Allo Digione that others prefer to pi2AES.

    However, @rlow found the Unison with the Sotm better than all the rest: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...sports-shootout-with-unison-usb-and-aes.8810/

    I believe Sonore may be on the level of the Sotm? I have no idea. Whatever is best is likely going to be a matter of personal preference, component chain, tweaks, how your local power station is working that day, and the alignment of the stars. It's too close to and too far to call from afar. Personally I went with functionality: native integration with Qobuz and good enough - that is within 2.132% of what could or might be "the best" - at the lowest price.
     
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2020
  6. deathbyaudio

    deathbyaudio New

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    thanks for the advice, and sorry for the faux pases (faux paux?) Intro now posted on the introduce yourself thread.
     

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