Looking for suggestions on a new and upgraded streamer.

[Chops]

For the past couple of years now, I have been running a Bluesound Node 2 (not the 2i). For about a year, I was running the coax out to a PS Audio Gain Cell DAC. I have since sold the PS Audio gear and have moved on to all Schiit gear. The Node 2 has been running flawless the entire time.

I just ordered a Schiit Bifrost 2 a couple days ago and it will be here tomorrow. I want to be able to utilize the "Unison" USB input on it as it's supposed to be better. I also have a Wyred4Sound Recovery USB Reclocker that I would like to use again, or at least see if makes any difference. I have a 12v ifi Audio iPower power supply with it. I also have two Wireworld USB cables to use with it.

I recently starting running Roon and love it. I have a NAS with 6TB of storage (about one third used so far), two WD My Passport Ultra 4TB backup drives, Tidal and Qobuz.

Looking to spend no more than about $600 all in, I've been doing a little research and have been eye-balling the Allo USBridge Signature with DigiOne and DietPi+Allo UI.

I don't want purchase their cheap PS nor do I want to purchase their pricey Shanti PS as I've read that they can have noise issues. I'll just purchase another ifi iPower (5v) which includes a mini-USB connector.

I'm thinking this will be a decent, cost effective (bang for the buck) upgrade from the Node 2. What do you guys think? Good move in the right direction?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Tim F]

I use the Auralic Aries Femto. From chatting to a guy in the industry who reviews a lot of streams he rated it highly.
Cheers, Tim

 

[Chops]

Yeah, I had one of those a few years ago. Nothing but junk. Had nothing but constant issues with the thing. Never again. Plus, they go for a lot more than $600.

Don't get me wrong. The thing sounded great when it worked and would be a perfect solution. But the thing kept crapping out more than it worked.

 

[daytona600]

https://www.stereophile.com/content/pro-ject-audio-systems-stream-box-s2-ultra-network-bridge




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[Chops]

View attachment 61962

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Again... $600 or less.

 

[daytona600]

They start from $300

https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/stream-box-s2/

 

[Chops]

No... The streamer is $849.

 

[Tim F]

Yeah, I had one of those a few years ago. Nothing but junk. Had nothing but constant issues with the thing. Never again. Plus, they go for a lot more than $600.

Don't get me wrong. The thing sounded great when it worked and would be a perfect solution. But the thing kept crapping out more than it worked.

Must have fixed them now, I don't see issues, there are very frequent firmware upgrades. Sorry I don't know the USA rates but in the UK they're around £700 ish.

 

[olivier]

I use the Digione Signature but using spdif output and can confirm it is very good.
Regarding Pre-Box S2 my understanding is that this is also based on Rasperry