You are correct. The only not-one-box streamer/DAC I used was when I had a PS Audio DAC and used Auralic rather than the Bridge (very common approach).
My network storage was originally an Iomega drive. From 2012 to 2019 I used an excellent UK-made device called Zara, by AVA Media. Their main business was NUCs and commercial servers. Solid aluminium, it could stream if needed as they licensed the same software as used by Naim.
In December 2016 I bought Devialet Expert and streamed using uPnP (wired or wireless) with the Zara remaining as the network storage. In February 2019 Devialet became Roon Ready, so I bought Innuos as a Roon Core and server. I used the Ethernet data output (I still do). About 2 years later Innuos released Sense, which only outputs over USB, but I used it for a while instead of Roon. It was perfectly fine. I like the app.
We then rebuilt the house (with dedicated power lines to the audio, the server and the modem/router) and the Innuos is in another room because it’s noisy (a SATA version). I changed my system to integrated amp and Lumin network player. I’ve tried the system three ways:
Innuos as Roon Core and server
A QNAP as Roon Core and Innuos as a uPnP server using the Lumin app
Lumin native app with Innuos as file server
None of them sound different, it just what app you prefer. All methods use the same cabling, which is fibre direct from Innuos to Lumin.
The Innuos has proven an incredibly flexible device, and in the UK the version with 2TB storage (includes CD ripper and Sense transport/app) costs the same as AirLens.
I have tried different approaches, usually with the same hardware. I have never found the need to split streamer and DAC. I only split them around 2014 because I fancied trying a PS Audio DAC, and I could have integrated streaming with the Bridge.
Someone would then say the AL is half the price of the Aries and U2. I for one would like all of them. Why not? Is it worth the 1k more than Red? Is the Aries worth 3k more than the AL? These are the questions everyone wants to know. My AL arrives on Thursday. Going to hold off installing my APS transformers until I give that a listen. one thing at a time approach. I am on vacation Labor day in FL. I plan to let the transformers burn in then while I am gone.
It’s quite likely that AL may be better than some more expensive streamers, and also quite likely that some less expensive streamers will be better than AL. It’s the very rare product (either terrible on one hand or completely amazing on the other, respectively) where you can’t say that about any given product
Andy, I do not do Roon, so I do not understand all of your Roon connections. I use some of the same cables you do WWPS8 Ethernet, USB and HDMI ( short lengths under 1 meter ). Why do you not use an HDMI I2S cable from the AL to you Mk2?
I come out of my English Electric 8 switch ( I imagine your PhoenixNET is much better ) with an Ethernet cable to my fidata NAS. I come out of the NAS with an Ethernet cable to the AL. I come out of the AL with an HDMI ( I2S ) cable to the Mk2. I am currently listening to DSD64 files and it sound wonderful. As soon is I get somethings cleared up I will make some DSD128 recordings and use them as my test music for SQ. My NAS also has a USP output which does DSD128 DoP. I will compare it to the AL I2S path.
I do not have a UpTone IOS Regen. I am hoping to get the generation 2 model of it, however, they will be in minuscule quantities due to the continuing supply chain problems.
Mikie, I understand what you are saying about DoP. When I said conversion I meant SRC where you take a PCM file ( 24/96 or 24/192 ) and convert it DSD so that you can send it using DoP over a USB connection. You would then compare how the PCM file sounds when sent of a USB connection to how the the same file converted to DSD sounds when sent over the same USB connection using DoP.
I know this is alphabet soup, but I am trying to see if using DoP makes a USB connection sound better. Yes, I am crazy and YMMV.
Tony, I am backed up, but I will try to make the following comparison: Some of my DSD files on my NAS , which I play through my AL using the I2S connection, I also have on a thumb drive ( USB drive ). I will play those same files through my PST which is also connected to my Mk2 using the other I2S connection. I will see if the AL sounds noticeably better or worse than the PST.
I think another comparison that many would be interested in would be a RedBook CD played on quality transport like the PST vs stream on Airlens via Qobuz or Tidal. See if the 44/16 version streamed can sound as good as the CD on quality player.
i have ps audio mark ll dac, and the PST transport. using Tidal via Airlens and Ipad for controller. i do use wifi, and not hardwired to AirLens.
i have compared audio for redbook CD, as well as hi rez files available from Tidal. A/B them easily switching back and forth from the PST input and the streaming input via I2S. can pretty much get them timed to the beat. have done this with redbook Cd, SACD, and Hi-rez files i have on CD. about a dozen or so albums.
short answer. love the convenience of the streaming with AirLens. Audio is satisfying. But audio quality of streaming versus playback from the PST. NO comparison. Hi-rez files streamed come closer to Redbook CD audio. but SACD and Hi-rez files played through the PST just beat the pants of off what i have listened to so far through AirLens with Tidal.
well. it is just one mans humble opinion. but difference in SQ seemed pretty clear to me.
still enjoying the access and convenience of streaming. i have never used streaming. so may need to listen to some others? like maybe the Aurilic aries 1.1. on sale right now for 2249.
Andy, I am not sure I understand how it was a good catch? The AL can only output on the HDMI connection. It seems like you are sending data from the Roon Nucleus to the AL using HDMI. I am probably confused since I do not do Roon.
cjbreeze, I do not mean this as a criticism to you, I am just using your post to bring this up. If any of us are comparing one signal path to another ( as I intend to do ) it is very important that you not only use the same music, but that the volume level is the same. I use my trusty analog SPL meter to do this. It would be good if we all mentioned how we adjusted the sound level to be the same when making such comparisons.
