DSD Mk II - What Streamer?

Yes that is correct… 878 was the actual price after looking back at receipt. Still cheap for what you get.

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Has anyone tried using the “Stream-iFi” app to “stream from a local storage device (NAS Drive)”? The iFi Neo Stream documentation mentions this functionality. But maybe this just means UPnP, not any kind of share drive mapping. I did a bunch of google and youtube searching but did not find an answer.

In the meantime, tomorrow I will add a WiiM Mini for Tidal Connect over Toslink to my MK2. I have RoPieeeXL for UPnP and NAA, both up to DSD256 over USB already.

Various folks have already written hoping for Tidal Connect over RoPieeeXL to no avail so far. There is a way to hack it into the HiFiBerry OS. But I can wait first before trying that.

PS: I know the iFi Neo Stream has a DAC onboard. But it can just sit there.

Quite a few listed in post #74 on this topic.

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thank you

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Based on what you want in terms of separate DAC and streamer or a combination unit and your overall maximum budget then the choices are many. If I remember correctly you are now playing with the newest Node unit which has many hardware limitations. If it’s main redeeming quality to most people which is the OS doesn’t work for you then you should just sell it and find a unit or combination of units that work with the software you have decided you prefer. Tell us what you want to accomplish and how much you are really willing to spend then you can get a recommendation of options. The lower the maximum budget the fewer the options.

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thank you

based on the age of the rest of my gear I am reluctant to ‘go all in’ (eg, McIntosh MHT200 and Paradigm Studio 100sV2…decent still)

Doing well with the Node and its internal dac. Don’t use BluOS much, Audirvana and Roon instead with Qobuz (an another month of Tidal trial).

I could still return Node to amazon, but I am in that price range at the present time. Frankly, my biggest whine is that I must use AirPlay with Audirvana, but the sound is better than Roon that connects to Node directly. So I should stop whining.

If the price of the Node is where your budget lies don’t know why you got sucked into into the cost of aftermarket software like Roon or Audirvana as the redeeming feature of the Node is it’s software and not the hardware, It is what it is and what it has been since it’s introduction 7+ years ago. It’s an introduction piece. If your current budget is not expandable to the cost of the next similar unit which is the iFi Neo Stream at $1300 then it is your best and really only option for a combo unit.

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Or you could save money and whistle nice songs.

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I love the BluOS app. But lack of DSD support meant that my Node had to go. If you are not going to go whole hog and BluOS the whole house, I’d send it back since I DSD. If you only do PCM, then you decide…

If you do go iFi Neo Stream… mentioned by Jack… l have some questions about it posted above! Maybe you could answer them! I also wrote to iFi and will report back if I hear anything.

Note: I wanted I2S over HDMI as well. Though that was before the MK2, which I am using with USB at present. My I2S over HDMI streamer (Silent Angel M1T “only” supports DSD128 via I2S over HDMI… though DSD256 over USB) also went. I am not settled yet on what to do… as evidenced by ongoing posting here on my part…

I only use the iFi app to steam via a direct connection Flash drive and Internet Radio as I use mConnect for Qobuz so don’t have an answer. Your best bet for getting an answer is by using the Neo Stream thread on Head-Fi and not e-mailing iFi. There is an iFi employee there that participates there on a regular basis along with multiple power users. In the system I use the iFi streaming product I don’t need I2S so the Zen Stream works for me. I suspect the Holo Red will do everything you need based on what I have read.

Thanks for that. I forgot about Head-Fi. Good recommendation. If you happen into the iFi app screens or web interface, would appreciate any screenshots of the NAS section here or via private message. Thanks again.

PS: I do not think the HoloAudio Red mentions any access to a NAS drive via its own app. Otherwise, yeah, is right up my alley. Though I am getting more used to using BubbleUPnP again after years off.

Neo Stream looks very interesting

Other than no remote, any negatives?

Ok, probably opening up a can of worms, but if I were to use USB only from my Lumin 1 Mini streamer with ext power supply into the MK2-. how far up the Wireworld USB cable chain is generally seen as sweet spot before law of diminishing returns.

I use an old Wireworld Chroma now into my Matrix and then use i2s into my Mk 1.

Of course AudioScience guy says it is all bullshit…

I just got a WW silver starlight 7 used off eBay for $170. Sounded pretty good in my preMKii setup

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They are pretty nice. Istill use one for Bluray music videos.

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I use a InAkustik USB cable between my Lumin U1 mini and Chord DAC. No complains. Have not received my MK2 yet.

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I may proceed, now for decision between iFi Neo Stream OR keep the Node for its streamer and get an external dac.

I am confused by your text: “get an external dac”. This is the “DSD MK2 What Streamer” thread. Having an external DAC, specifically the PSA DS MK2, is kinda a given on this particular thread. As mentioned above, the Bluesound Node is a great piece of kit. But that is within its limitations, like PCM only (no DSD). Also limited variety of output; it was always RCA oriented. Though I guess it has USB too. If you want to build a BluOS multiroom system in a house, it is also excellent. But sounds like you have Roon too. So am confused by the strategy and the tactics here.

I should have started a different thread

in any case done deal, ordered iFi New Stream and will compare with Node

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Cool enough! Folks here including me will be interested to hear the results of your comparison! Please do tell!

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