2. digital
  3. 129460-84060

Audiophile quality streamer/server-in-one without a DAC. Does this exist?

I have a very simple system and want to upgrade my digital player which is currently my  5 year old Acer laptop.  I listen to Tidal a lot.  Sometimes I listen to high-res downloads (I only have about 20) and ripped FLAC albums (only about 100) stored on my Acer  and play them using JRiver 19.  That's about it.

My system is a Wyred 4 Sound Dac-2 plugged directly into a Wyred 4 Sound ST-500 power amp which is paired to a pair of KEF LS-50.  My Acer is my only source component.  

My question is this: is there an all-in-one digital source that can replace my computer as a server and streamer?  I don't need a DAC and I don't want several more pieces, peripherals, power supplies, etc.  I don't want to make my own.  My wife will tell you I'm not talented enough to do so.  I would agree with her.

Seriously, I just want one box that can do the same friggin thing as my computer but better.  I don't think I want a Apple computer either as I know that is a good solution for many.  

I feel ridiculous asking if there is something out there like this, but I either don't see it or my request is akin to looking for unicorns.  I'm ok with either answer.  Just hit me with the truth or some recommendations.

Thank you, Josh    


joshelston

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
647 posts
 
There is nothing as powerful as a computer as an audio streamer. However, a computer is not a good audio device since it is electrically noisy. My solution to this is to use the Sonare mircoRendu or SonicOrbiter (I have 2 rooms with speakers). Put your computer in another room. Hook up the Sonare to your Ethernet either by a direct connection or a Powerline adapter (uses copper wiring in your house for Ethernet).

You need a DAC for this solution but I would recommend that you sell your passive LS50 (I also own these) and buy the new ACTIVE LS50 with built in DAC. Hook it up to the Sonare. Done.


"The LS50 Wireless includes an end-to-end 192kHz/24-bit high-resolution digital signal path with two dedicated digital-to-analog converters per channel, for a total of four. Each speaker features a bi-amp dual-mono configuration (200 + 30 watts per speaker) and streaming preamp, so no wires are required to connect the two. A time-correcting DSP crossover makes sure that everything stays in sync."
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