LMS with HI-end Streamer+Dac

[bunkertoy]

Hi all, another inquiry.
I've been looking into higher end DACs, perhaps replacing the Bel Canto 3.7. As I search and browse many great DACs, I'm noticing lots of DACs incorporating a Streamer in the same box.
Was recently drooling over the Cary Audio DMS-600 Streamer/Dac. I'm loving the interface of the LMS and not interested in going the ROON route. Too expensive.
Is there a work around to get one of these streamers and still enjoy the LMS ? I would hate to get a decent streamer/Dac and be stuck with an average Gui/interface. The software end of things are not really explained with such items. They just promote that you can get Tidal, QuBuz, Roon etc....

I did read another topic on here called 3rd party Streamers, but didn't find any answers.
Cheers everyone.

[Apesbrain]

If the streamer supports DLNA, try LMS's "UPnP/DLNA bridge" plugin.

[Redrum]

If you don't mind me saying...Since you are looking for a DAC in that price range, and you are happy with LMS as your environment, why not just focus on spending all of the $ specifically on a DAC only? I think that's where you started before you discovered the combo units.

I am sure the integrated units are fine pieces of equipment, but I personally would be concerned about the streamer/UI portion becoming quickly "dated" (not the right word) unless the manufacturer is completely committed to it's streamer/UI integration down the road. I am sure a company like Cary has a plan though. LMS, squeezelite, Pcp, M2P are constantly evolving thanks to the wonderful contributions of all involved.

I think about a while back when some very good manufacturers but together these "all in one" dresser top systems - AM/FM/CD/Amp w/bookshelf speaker. I never bought one, but they were perfect for their target market, at that time. I can tell you that in my secondary system the CD Player and Tuner go unused. So does the $100 FM Antenna in my attic . At one time I used them. Not anymore, but I have been too lazy to remove and pack them up

Two last thoughts (especially with the price point/quality level you are shopping in):

• why pay for the streamer portion that you don't need?
• I am sure it is addressed but there is always EMI considerations for electronics that don't need to be there (streamer portion). There are low level analog signals in the same box as high speed electronics associated with the streaming. As an example, I have a Oppo BDP-105D. It's Bluray player, known for excellent video processing, but it's also a pre-pro, and has a wonderful DAC for 2 channels. The DAC section was about a $700USD upgrade. The Oppo is equipped with a button/command (what's it called?) for switching off all video processing while listening to 2 channel audio to reduce EMI. EMI is a real challenge that I am sure engineers have gotten much better at.

Having said all of that, if you feel the (digital) streamer electronics in those units is superior to your sb device, then there's that.

Sorry for my early morning semi-rant, Good luck with your shopping!


Jim

[jpmenil]

Personally, i'm using several raspberry pi, so squeezelite on them, got a soncoz sgd1 and a topping d90le, both are under 800$, olds amplifiers and i'm good with such solution.

[d6jg]

If the streamer supports DLNA, try LMS's "UPnP/DLNA bridge" plugin.

While this approach may work I don’t think even philippe_44 would risk spending $€£000s on a Streamer without being 100% sure beforehand. UPnP is just too flaky as a protocol.

Personally I’d go the Pi route with a USB connection to a high end DAC or Pi with Digi HAT and digital connection via toslink or coax to a high end DAC. The risk is far lower.

[chicks]

It’s been measured to be bit perfect to the WiiM Mini and Pro, out their digital ports, via UPnP. No need for anything “high end”, it won’t impact anything but your wallet. Just connect the WiiM to a good DAC, like a Topping.

[d6jg]

It’s been measured to be bit perfect to the WiiM Mini and Pro, out their digital ports, via UPnP. No need for anything “high end”, it won’t impact anything but your wallet. Just connect the WiiM to a good DAC, like a Topping.

in general I agree with this as I am trialling a WiiM Mini with the UPnP/DLNA Bridge and it’s near perfect. But the key is it is only “near” perfect it isn’t 100% perfect compared to a Pi with piCorePlayer which is 100% perfect in LMS terms.

[d6jg]

The other thing about the WiiM that worries me although I have not hit it yet is the constant updates and the clamour on their forum for all sorts of weird additions which their forum person readily jumps on with no idea about the technical issues. I expect mine to break at some point because of this and nothing to do with LMS or UPnP/DLNA Bridge

[bunkertoy]

Great stuff guys.Streamer on its own, probably best approach and spending the cash on a DAC only might be a better. I'm just thinking down the road sampling more high rez files, as the Transporter only supports 24/96. I've done some research the last few weeks on a PI player. I would get the Allo Digi with S/pdif BNC ouput connectors. Looked at the Bryston Pi player, but seems dumb to spend $1000 on a box that as a Pi inside.

[sgmlaw]

... as the Transporter only supports 24/96.

As much as I like the little Pi, replacing a TP with one seems a step backward.

If you hear meaningful differences at 192khz compared to 96khz in your system, let me know. I have an extremely resolving system. And I just can't hear one.

At some point, even in mid-five figure audio systems, the law of diminishing returns becomes ridiculous.

[bunkertoy]

As much as I like the little Pi, replacing a TP with one seems a step backward.

If you hear meaningful differences at 192khz compared to 96khz in your system, let me know. I have an extremely resolving system. And I just can't hear one.

At some point, even in mid-five figure audio systems, the law of diminishing returns becomes ridiculous.

That's great to hear. perhaps we all fall down the rabbit hole in search of some sort of perceived perfection. Just noticing more 192Khz files out there. Does the Transporter just down convert those files to 92Khz ?
I've found this thread very useful, always appreciate the input.
Cheers

[d6jg]

That's great to hear. perhaps we all fall down the rabbit hole in search of some sort of perceived perfection. Just noticing more 192Khz files out there. Does the Transporter just down convert those files to 92Khz ?
I've found this thread very useful, always appreciate the input.
Cheers

The Transporter tells LMS that it can handle up to 96Khz so LMS transcodes anything higher down to that level when asked.

[P Nelson]

At some point, even in mid-five figure audio systems, the law of diminishing returns becomes ridiculous.

When the audiophile ignores diminishing returns, does he or she become the audio-fool? ha ha

[garym]

The Transporter tells LMS that it can handle up to 96Khz so LMS transcodes anything higher down to that level when asked.

Exactly, I have a handful of 24/192 files, and LMS automatically downconverts such files to 24/96 (in a good way) without any intervention from me and they play nicely on my Transporter. But you can use squeezelite on an rPi instead of the transporter to feed the DAC, and this can easily play 24/192, or greater files if that's what you prefer.

[SamY]

As much as I like the little Pi, replacing a TP with one seems a step backward.

If you hear meaningful differences at 192khz compared to 96khz in your system, let me know. I have an extremely resolving system. And I just can't hear one.

At some point, even in mid-five figure audio systems, the law of diminishing returns becomes ridiculous.

Agree 100%. I spent a lot of time trying to convince myself that I can hear a difference between 24/96 and 24/192, but I just can't. On the other hand, I can clearly distinguish between 16/44.1 and 24/96.