Digital Drive

Ok I know this question has been asked here already but here it goes - a network player recommendation

68.98.6.89

airtime

I'm currently using a Marantz NA7004 network player. But would like to get a really good NETWORK player. And one that can do volume control on the output.

I was looking at McIntosh MB50 and the D100 preamps. But again I want a network player and not just a DAC.

Price range is pretty flexible up to $3000 or so.

Any recommendations.

Follow Ups:

Music Streamers connected via ethernet - Bboucher@berkelex.com 06:39:50 12/10/16 (1)
I purchased an Aries Mini, and connected it via ethernet cable directly to my router. It did not function - sent it back and it was deemed "defective" and purchase price refunded. Before I try again with buying an Altair, has anyone successfully "hard wired" to the router successfully? I am trying to bypass a "wireless" connection, although with the Altair feature of fully downloading the file before playing, it would probably eradicate the dropout problem I have occasionally on my Airport Extreme\Express wi-fi network connection to my DAC.
- RE: Music Streamers connected via ethernet - bobschneider8 14:17:19 12/11/16 (0)
  As I recall, the only way to do an initial setup of an Aries Mini is via WiFi. I have mine on wired Ethernet, but I had to use my iPad via wifi to do the setup. After that, I was able to copy my library from my desktop to the hard drive I installed in the Mini via Ethernet. That took a couple of days, but it was about 1.5TB.
  The only way to control the Mini is from control software loaded on an iPad or iPhone, although they've promised an android version too. I've found I can't have my VPN software running if I want to control the Mini - when it's on, the software can't find the Mini.
  But it works great when it's set up properly!
  
  Edits: 12/11/16
Auralic Altair - AbeCollins 06:23:20 11/06/16 (0)
Auralic Altair: $1900 - $2300
- Auralic Altair (Open in New Window)
Understand that - E-Stat 18:38:16 10/29/16 (2)
But would like to get a really good NETWORK player. And one that can do volume control on the output.

That necessarily means you are locking the player into using one DAC sharing the same chassis.

Others like me prefer using a device that streams content from your computer or network based content providers, but allows for your choice of DAC. Which is the one component I do update more frequently than others given the pace of technology changes.

Given your propensity for constantly changing amplifiers and preamps, you might consider a more open solution. :)

I particularly enjoy the Sonore microRendu player currently mated with an Audio Research DAC8. The preamp controls output for all sources.
- RE: Understand that - airtime 19:09:28 10/29/16 (1)
  You know I decided to just keep everything I have and not change anything. Heck, I like what I have and I'm not finding anything special or better that what I already have.
  
  So from here on it I'm just tweaking some cables, buying a Rythmik sub and maybe pretty up the old setups.
  - RE: Understand that - E-Stat 19:27:48 10/29/16 (0)
    You know I decided to just keep everything I have and not change anything.
    
    I'm not suggesting that change is all bad. It's just that you and I seem to do it in different places. I've been using the same power amps for fifteen years. While the preamp is only two years old, I used its predecessor for almost twenty. Speakers are eleven years old having had parts updated but otherwise the same core product.
    
    On the other hand, I have used two different streamers and two different DACs within a four year period of time. That's where I find genuine improvements with both convenience and ultimate sound quality lie in the digital age.
    
    And thoroughly enjoying my music library everywhere - listening room, HT, phone/pad, garage and cars. :)
    
    YMMV.
RE: Ok I know this question has been asked here already but here it goes - a network player recommendation - samac 19:22:04 10/28/16 (2)
If I had your budget this would be at the top of my list to audition: MOON Neo 280D. Every MOON component I have heard I've really liked. Great sound and build quality. Good luck with your search.

Cheers,

Scott
- http://www.audiostream.com/content/moon-simaudio-neo-280d-mi (Open in New Window)
- And there is a show room about 45 minutes away - airtime 19:40:33 10/28/16 (1)
  It has a volume control as well. PERFECT!!!!
  I'll do some research and drop by the showroom soon to check the Moon out.
  Thanks
  charles
  - http://www.esotericaudioaz.com/ (Open in New Window)
  Edits: 10/28/16
  - RE: And there is a show room about 45 minutes away - samac 07:42:44 10/29/16 (0)
    Cool. If you get a chance post your listening impressions after you hear it. My nearest MOON dealer is 90 minutes away; not too far but I don't make it there often.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Scott

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