I have had the DSD with Bridge 2 for awhile now and it has always impressed me, especially with the upgradability due to free DAC software updates. I use a SilenZio server running Roon in another room, serving my music from NAS. The Bridge 2 acts as the Roon endpoint and streamer to the DAC.

My question is if anyone has compared other streamers to the Bridge 2 and found worthwhile improvements in sound quality? I have been looking at products from Sonore (ultrarendu + LPS 1.2 or Signature Rendu SE), Bryston (BDP-3) and a few others.

Try JRiver on the SilenZio and sending music to the Bridge 2

I was thinking more along the lines of hardware, not software. Something to receive the signal from Roon over the network, and then pass that along to the DAC via usb (or other method).

With that said, I have compared JRiver to Roon. There seemed to be a small difference in sound presentation, but not sure one was "better" than another. I do like the interface on Roon more, mostly due to the Tidal integration, so even if JRiver sounded slightly better, I'd likely stick with Roon.

I’ve found noticeable improvements with JRiver and even better file format support. But like you, I’m still using Roon.

If you are looking at hardware changes, my friend is using fiber optic network cables connecting his PC and NAS and the streamer. And using linear power supplies to the NAS and switches.

He’s also a big fan of Lumin.

If you want to go fibre optic, try Lifatec glass cables. [emoji106] for linear power supplies.

I have been looking at the Auralic Aries G2. This seems like an interesting piece. Wonder how it would compare to the Sonore Sig Rendu SE or Bryston BDP-3???

https://us.auralic.com/products/aries-g2

Kevin: the LUMIN products are worth checking out. Most of their models have a built-in dac and act as Roon endpoints. I began with a LUMIN D1 and since moved up to their A1 model.

Gary, thanks. I have looked at the Lumin products as well. Their top products look outstanding and have gotten very good reviews.

I am considering a stand-alone streamer so that I could use any DAC I wanted. The Lumin products and the PS Audio DS with Bridge lock me into their DAC's. Likely not such a bad thing as they are great products, but I would love the flexibility afforded by a stand-alone streamer.

The LUMIN U1 is the one without a dac. You might want to check it out.

Will do.

I have a Sonore Signature SE and I have compared it to the Bridge 2. To me the Sonore is definitely better. But it cost way more so it should be.

Thanks for the input. I had presumed it would be better and am looking seriously at it (along with the less expensive UltraRendu with UltraCap LPS-1.2). Both have gotten great reviews in the audio press.

One thing I really like about those is that they seem to have no limitation is file type...practically all PCM and DSD types are supported, with the only limitation being one's DAC. The Bridge 2, unfortunately, is limited to DSD64.

The Bridge 2 card I tried out had a really hard time playing Tidal, kept cutting off the first split second of songs. The Signature Rendu has no such problems.

I've heard of others with the same complaint. I believe that was fixed with the new firmware that came out last week.

I have already returned it as it didn’t sound as good as the Sonore anyway.

I've had the ultraRendu with LPS-1 in my system for a couple months (upgraded from a microRendu) and it's been really great for me. I haven't heard the other streamers that OP mentioned, so I couldn't say whether it's better or worse than those options.