[gimmeheadroom]

Audirvana perhaps and use their app to control the PC? It’s another subscription service however.

Yeah they have flopped back and forth lately on pricing models but from what I can see, the one-time fee verion does not have any streaming support. The subscription version does.

Looks like JRiver is still a one-time fee but I am not sure what they support. I tried both of these in the past and neither was ideal for me.

 

[chesebert]

Yeah they have flopped back and forth lately on pricing models but from what I can see, the one-time fee verion does not have any streaming support. The subscription version does.

Looks like JRiver is still a one-time fee but I am not sure what they support. I tried both of these in the past and neither was ideal for me.

JRiver does not support stream and likely never will because the developers do not believe in streaming services.

 

[iFi audio]

Basic, while very good option is iFi Zen Stream. I'd start there.

Thanks for mentioning our streaming ZEN

Innuos

Not too long ago Innuos had only streamers with in-built storage, but as of now they also have streaming platforms without that.

 

[thingswelike]

The LUMIN U2 Mini is arriving in stores now (it depends on pre-orders, demo models, etc as stocks are still limited).
It's a fair bit over your budget though.
I'd suggest the LUMIN U1 Mini on the second hand/used market if you can find one.

(Associated with LUMIN)

 

[gimmeheadroom]

JRiver does not support stream and likely never will because the developers do not believe in streaming services.

Thanks, I was not aware of that. But checking their forums it seems to be the case.

It's looking more and more that my fanless PC setup is the way to go, since I have my own library that include several hundred SACD ISO rips which as far as I know only foobar2000 plays, and I also subscribe to a couple of streaming services. I'd like to have one point of control but I don't see anything.

 

[chesebert]

Nothing wrong with using a computer. It does everything and can sound okay with the right hardware and some accessories. I wouldn’t worry about bridge unless you are willing to spend few thousand - you do get better sound for the price.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Nothing wrong with using a computer. It does everything and can sound okay with the right hardware and some accessories. I wouldn’t worry about bridge unless you are willing to spend few thousand - you do get better sound for the price.

Again for me it is just about having a remote app that can consolidates everything. I don't think spending a few thousand more is going to improve sound quality over what I have now. I'm really happy with my setup.

 

[chesebert]

Again for me it is just about having a remote app that can consolidates everything. I don't think spending a few thousand more is going to improve sound quality over what I have now. I'm really happy with my setup.

I would just keep that Emm Labs or dCS network bridge in the back of your mind if you ever get a chance to take one home for a test drive - it's a leap not everyone is willing or able to make.

 

[iFi audio]

can sound okay with the right hardware and some accessories.

Therein lies the rub I'm affraid. Turning a PC into a nice transport is possible (been there, done that ), but these days streamers are smaller than regular PCs and solid on UI and UX, which is rather important. They're worth taking a look into if one wants to keep away from DIY.

 

[PAM005]

Take a look at the Lindeman Bridge (EU-based) , very userfriendly IOS app with support for Qobuz, Tidal, etc. Very stable platform, only Spdif and optical outputs. No USB-output and no-display. But that's all. And most important, fits in your pricerange.

 

[iFi audio]

Take a look at the Lindeman Bridge (EU-based) , very userfriendly IOS app with support for Qobuz, Tidal, etc. Very stable platform, only Spdif and optical outputs. No USB.
But that's all. And most important, fits in your pricerange

For a second there I thought that this bridge also has a DAC inside as per this review: https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lindemann-limetree-network-bridge/

...but it seems that the latest version doesn't, which makes sense.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Take a look at the Lindeman Bridge (EU-based) , very userfriendly IOS app with support for Qobuz, Tidal, etc. Very stable platform, only Spdif and optical outputs. No USB-output and no-display. But that's all. And most important, fits in your pricerange.

Thank you! This looks interesting.

 

[PAM005]

For a second there I thought that this bridge also has a DAC inside as per this review: https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lindemann-limetree-network-bridge/

That's correct - model Network does have an internal DAC, model Bridge has to be used with an external DAC. Only used as a bridge to your Streaming account. And it can be upgraded using your (Ifi) quality iPower(X) supplies, which's bring a great improvement!

 

[iFi audio]

That's correct - model Network does have an internal DAC, model Bridge has to be used with an external DAC. Only used as a bridge to your Streaming account. And it can be upgraded using your (Ifi) quality iPower(X) supplies, which's bring a great improvement!

That's great to hear, the more products respond nicely to our iPower, the happier we are. Thanks!