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Top music streamer for 2019? Aurender N10’s?

I will shortly be purchasing a Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated with its internal DAC module.  I’m now wondering what to do about a music streamer, as I’m doubting that my current stock Mac Mini with Audirvana will do justice to the Gryphon.  My budget is < 10k.  After scanning forums this is what I’ve found consistently:  1) Aurender is frequently recommended, seemingly more so than other brands, 2) the Aurender N10 sounds much better than the much less expensive N100H, 3) Any higher end dedicated streamer will elevate sound significantly over my Mac Mini.

So it appears my best option is the Aurender N10 other than the price tag.  My questions are:  1) Do people agree with the statements above?  And, 2) How do the much less expensive Moon Mind 2 and Bluesound products compare with the Aurender N10?  Is the difference large?  And, 3) How big is the sound quality increase going to a N10 from a Mac Mini, and what specifically are the differences I should expect? 

Thanks

nyev
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
146 posts
 
+1 on Innous.  I have the Zenith MKII w 2TB SSD.  Functionally and SQ-wise, I find it excellent.  I haven’t heard the MKIII and don’t plan to because I might be too tempted to upgrade.

Innous tech support is also excellent.
hemoncdoc
21 posts
 
I have borrowed a Gryphon Diablo 300 from my local dealer, Evolution home theater in Atlanta. I am using it to stream both Tidal  and Qobuz via my PS Audio Directstream DAC with Bridge II as well as using my NAS hard drive and CD player. Speakers are my Sonus Faber Amati Tradition.  Software is either MConnect or Roon on a dedicated Intel NUC server.  

The sound is absolutely outrageous!

Since the Gryphon I borrowed has the built in DAC option, It is my plan to compare the 2 DAC’s when I can get the appropriate cables.  

I also have a Diablo 300 on order sans DAC or phonoboard.


nyev OP
57 posts
 
Thanks again for all the replies.  

Seems like there is lots of love for the Innous.  I hadn’t heard of that option so I will look into it further.


nyev OP
57 posts
 
I just checked and it doesn’t appear that there are any Innuous dealers in Western Canada.  Any suggestions on Innuous dealers?  I noticed you can buy Innuous products directly on their website but they indicate the Mk III products are available for pre-order.
toetapaudio
200 posts
 
It would be worth seeking out Fidata, less well known than Innuous but state of the art servers in my opinion. There are two models with 1TB and 2TB storage options. For streaming link the Fidata with a streamer such as the Lumin U1mini or Lumin U1 depending on overall budget.
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