I have a MiniPC running Roon/Qobuz connected by ethernet cable to an iFi LAN iSilencer into the Zen Stream. Which is connected through USB to a SMSL DO300EX DAC. That combo sounds pretty good, much better than my Blusound Node 2.
If the a streamer is outputting digitally, it will by pass the DAC I imagine by default. One of the reasons I prefer a streaming transport as a rule (like the Auralic Aries). Good question though, thank you.
Excellent! An affordable alternative may be the 6000N play by Audiolab, that has a no-nonsense front but with 6 presets. Now with the introduction of both the 7000 and 9000 range, retailers are cleaning up their inventory as it were, so the 6000N now often retails for ridiculous discount prices. It hasa high quality circuitry, its own solid transformer and an excellent sabre 9018-dac for the money. It is truly excellent with many review awards. Its only downside is the Play Fi app, but the 6 presets do ease the pain somewhat…atb, Gerlach Sven
Thanks for your comment. The Audio lab 6000N is indeed a good piece of equipment. We tend not to review items that we haven't had a good chance to listen to. Looking forward to seeing if we can get our hand on one of the 8000 or 9000 ranges.
I've got had the 6000a it's a good streamer but playfi is frustrating and let's the system down, can be mitigated with other software and the required stream platform quoboz tidal using upnp software, but has no Chromecast, apple airplay or roon or usb but has native Amazon music which is not common on other streamers. User software is important in a streamer if it's buggy it frustrates and ruins the experience. 6000a Sounds good though vfm
Understood, there is a ranking on that table near the end (about 9'44"), my assessment of the quality and streaming performance. The streamers are all reviewed on the website, the link is in the comments section above. Thanks for the comment.
I agree, the pace of DAC progress has characterised the last few years in HiFi. Still good to have a low noise source though, but good comment, thanks.
I think the Aqua linQ is the absolute best streamer on the market- and I haven't even tried it yet😂😜... because I demoed both the aqua La Scala and Formula DAC's at my home in my system and wow 🎶now to connect the linQ with the Formula🧨🎉🎶 or simply compromise on the lower end products...😮
Why would you compare a 5,000.00 dollar pice of equipment to a eversolo 800.00 dollar pice, keep it to fair run, not a pice that cost 4× it's MSRP come on
Yes, fair comment, but really we were trying to highlight the options across the range, from very affordable to high priced. Interestingly the new Auralic 'Entry-Level' S1 would work well in this video at £2,000, the review is coming shortly. It is a stripped-back piece of Auralic kit that is seriously of great value in the context of your comment. Thanks for the comment.
![Best Music Streamer [2025] - Top 5 Best Music Streamers To Consider Buying!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WvfiLAS5Q1o/mqdefault.jpg)
![Best Music Streamer [2025] - Top 5 Best Music Streamers To Consider Buying!](/img/tr.png)
Quality video, and I love the little comparison chart towards the end 🎉
Glad you liked it!
I have a MiniPC running Roon/Qobuz connected by ethernet cable to an iFi LAN iSilencer into the Zen Stream. Which is connected through USB to a SMSL DO300EX DAC. That combo sounds pretty good, much better than my Blusound Node 2.
Nice, SMSL doing really good things too.
Nice job buddy!!
Thanks!
I love my Eversolo DMP-A6 that plays native APPLE MUSIC LOSSLESS. And I upgraded the powersupply to linear LPS by Beatechnik.
If your amp has a DAC how does the DAC in the streamer work? Does it disable itself?
If the a streamer is outputting digitally, it will by pass the DAC I imagine by default. One of the reasons I prefer a streaming transport as a rule (like the Auralic Aries). Good question though, thank you.
Wiim Ultra as a beginner. Rated 8 in streaming & 8 in DAC. I wonder how to differentiate the sound of 9 out of 10 or 10/10?
I’m sure others will ask about others A8, Innuos, and others, Grimm MU1/2. This just shows the universe of streamers is huge at the minute.
Thanks for the comment, it is!
Excellent! An affordable alternative may be the 6000N play by Audiolab, that has a no-nonsense front but with 6 presets. Now with the introduction of both the 7000 and 9000 range, retailers are cleaning up their inventory as it were, so the 6000N now often retails for ridiculous discount prices. It hasa high quality circuitry, its own solid transformer and an excellent sabre 9018-dac for the money. It is truly excellent with many review awards. Its only downside is the Play Fi app, but the 6 presets do ease the pain somewhat…atb, Gerlach Sven
Thanks for your comment. The Audio lab 6000N is indeed a good piece of equipment. We tend not to review items that we haven't had a good chance to listen to. Looking forward to seeing if we can get our hand on one of the 8000 or 9000 ranges.
Oops - finger trouble. I meant the 7000!
I've got had the 6000a it's a good streamer but playfi is frustrating and let's the system down, can be mitigated with other software and the required stream platform quoboz tidal using upnp software, but has no Chromecast, apple airplay or roon or usb but has native Amazon music which is not common on other streamers. User software is important in a streamer if it's buggy it frustrates and ruins the experience. 6000a Sounds good though vfm
I’m here for the Cambridge eval.
Cambridge knocking it out of the park at the moment. The new CXN 100 looks really interesting. The AXN10 i reviewed recently is down to 449 now.
Good vid. Thank you!
Thank you, great to hear
The cell phone is the director of the dac and connective needs that a streamer dictates without riff raff associated with commercial cyber space.
Good stuff
Thank you, appreciated
No review to consider on quality of audio or best usability
Understood, there is a ranking on that table near the end (about 9'44"), my assessment of the quality and streaming performance. The streamers are all reviewed on the website, the link is in the comments section above. Thanks for the comment.
In my opinion, instead of investing in a streamer, a quality DAC should be invested in. The source can be a phone or even a laptop.
I agree, the pace of DAC progress has characterised the last few years in HiFi. Still good to have a low noise source though, but good comment, thanks.
I agree. My dragonfly audioquest with decent laptop sounds great here.
try the PS Audio Air Lens
Yes, I know this unit, I'd like to if I can one from PS Audio
iFi zen streamer is good on Roon mode.
Roon is a bit expensive for me but that comment makes sense,
Plus Qubuz and Tidal... Now i would buy Holo Red streamer...
@@kennethmajland Yes, tried (trying) to get the Holo Red, it looks soooo good.
I’m lucky to have it stable on Tidal and improved with power supply upgrade.
I think the Aqua linQ is the absolute best streamer on the market- and I haven't even tried it yet😂😜... because I demoed both the aqua La Scala and Formula DAC's at my home in my system and wow 🎶now to connect the linQ with the Formula🧨🎉🎶 or simply compromise on the lower end products...😮
Hi there, thanks for the comment. I'm not familiar with Aqua but I'll see what I can do. The linQ reads well, thanks for the heads up.
Modded BS Node N130
LHY filter board DC5v 😊
ifi ipower elite 5v power supply
Aardvark Classic Ethernet Isolator
DH Labs Toslink Glass Master
Nice, I've just received a Nuprime 5V power supply so will be looking into that soon, power supply upgrades are always worth investigating
🙏🙏
Why would you compare a 5,000.00 dollar pice of equipment to a eversolo 800.00 dollar pice, keep it to fair run, not a pice that cost 4× it's MSRP come on
Yes, fair comment, but really we were trying to highlight the options across the range, from very affordable to high priced. Interestingly the new Auralic 'Entry-Level' S1 would work well in this video at £2,000, the review is coming shortly. It is a stripped-back piece of Auralic kit that is seriously of great value in the context of your comment. Thanks for the comment.
My streaming solution is the Linn Klimax DS with latest upgrades.
It's expensive ,but it's very good.