Please help me choose the right and best streamer
 

Hi all,

I have been asking questions about how to best stream music to my system and after reading everyone's comments and learning a lot, I have narrowed it down to a few options, which I would really appreciate some feedback on, especially if you have used those devices.

I currently stream music using Mcintosh MB50 connected to C2600, using the C2600 DAC.

The sound quality is pretty great, I stream mainly Spotify and Tidal. Do not currently have a digital library.
The reason I am looking for an alternative to the MB50 is price. It is a costly unit and I am trying to figure out if I can replace it with a less expensive device that can match or even surpass its performance.

I narrowed it down to the following:

1. MB50 (owned) - $2000 MSRP
2. Auralic Aries - $1599 MSRP
3. Cambridge Audio Azur 851N - $1499 MSRP
4. Auralic Aries Mini - $499 MSRP

Have you had experience with any of those and can comment on sound quality/features? I have no way to get the Auralic or Cambridge and try them out, so I am hoping I could rely on your experience.
Also, which would pair nicely with the C2600 (does it even matter)?

Thank you!

You probably remember most of my posts on this subject but I'll add another couple of cents. Streaming is becoming an ever deeper rabbit hole and it can really get to all who are striving for the best fit within our systems. I've tried the Node 2, 851N, CXN, and MB50 in my McIntosh system and ended up keeping the MB50. All had similar sound quality results when run through my preamp's DAC, but for whatever the reason, I gave a slight edge to the MB50. When comparing sound quality using the streamer's internal DAC, I picked the MB50 with the 851N coming in a surprisingly close 2nd. The other two weren't close. When comparing strength of wireless connection and processing speed, the MB50 was the clear winner. All are very capable streamers and depending on budget and needs, they'd all be on my recommended list. I've spent quite a bit of money on my system and there are many out there who've spent much more on theirs. You can spend much more than $2000 on a streaming device. I now feel comfortable with my purchase knowing that I have a product designed and made by hand in America. That's worth the extra dollars to me and I'm now just enjoying the music and not second guessing my decision. It just comes down to how much time you plan on using it and how you'll use it. You have put together a very expensive killer system. Only you can decide if a $500 streamer will do justice within the rest of your system and how much more you're willing to spend for small incremental gains in performance.

I have an Aries Mini and it’s an excellent streamer with an OK DAC (I don’t use the DAC). Since you’ll be using your own DAC, it should work well for you. It’s very versatile, handling pretty much all file formats, Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Airplay. The sound is quite good but it could benefit from a better power supply. If you go this route you can always upgrade with Auralic’s external power supply later.

The Auralic Aries is a big step up, with a better power supply and no DAC, so all the investment is in the streaming functions. Check audiostream.com for reviews. It also handles all file formats, is RoonReady, and handles MQA.

I’ve had several Cambridge Audio products (although not this one), and their quality is excellent and sound very good for the money. However the streamer only handles 24/192 - not a drawback if you don’t expect to play DSD. Also it has digital inputs and can be used as a preamp for digital sources. If you have need for this capability, then it’s a great option. If you don’t, then it’s money wasted on capabilities you don’t need. In that case for the same price the Aries is a better option.

I can’t comment on the Mac, having no direct experience with the brand.

Of the choices listed, I’d go for the Aries, although I’d also look at the Bryston BDP Pi. It handles most everything including being RoonReady, although I don’t think MQA. It’s in the same price range, should have excellent sound, and Ivan is a Bryston dealer so I’m guessing you’d get a great deal from him.

It appears that AA now has the Aries Mini back in stock and with them you can try it for 30 days. As to the upgraded power supply if you are going to use it as streamer only I would try it with the included wall wart power supply and see what you think. If you want to add a different LPS there are several options available for much less than the Auralic one. I have used one from Swagman Labs for almost two years. Terra-Dak LPS are another popular option.

Hey Jayvis, this is super valuable to me, thank you for sharing, especially since you have tried the Cambridge devices and could compare to the MB50.

It is encouraging to hear that you found the MB50's sound superior to the rest of the bunch. The only device that I will still be considering is the Aries (not the mini). I wish there was a way to demo it at home.

I am very intrigued by the Aries, just no way to demo it at home unfortunately. I wonder how it would sound compared to the MB50 streaming Spotify and Tidal.

Glad to help. If you're that concerned about finding the perfect device for you and your system, I'd strongly encourage you to try as many as you feasibly can. Just be prepared to find it harder and harder to make a decision the more you try. My wife finally got tired of me having multiple boxes laying around while I did my comparisons and actually ended up helping me decide. She said the McIntosh just looked better among my other components and she despises most things that are made in China. All of the other items you and I were considering are built in China. She told me to just stop and spend the extra money on the MB50 if it did everything I wanted. The search mercifully and gladly ended right there because I didn't want or need anything that offered more than the little MAC. By the way, will your MC601's be arriving soon?

I can’t comment on the MB50, but I see you’re in California - there are several Auralic dealers in CA shown on the Auralic website. If you’re within a couple of hours drive it might be worth the time to check them out. It may also be that one of them will ship you one to try, or sell it to you with a return option if it doesn’t work out.

You should try out Roon. They have a free 30 day tryout period.
If you like it, then more hardware options (some very cheap) become available.
For example, a lifetime subscription to Roon ($500) plus a RPi3 with HifiBerry hat (~$120) make an excellent streamer.
(Incidentally, the Bryston Pi that someone mentioned above is based on the RPi)

Hey Jayvis,

Good story, I wish I had an "easy" out like yours ;-)
I guess I will have to keep experimenting within the return period of my MB50.
My 601's arrived today! unpacked and set up in my rack! I am so excited, I could not really test them (kids sleeping) and gong to be at CES most of this week, so wife got instructions to break them in while I am away, and I start rocking them next weekend! Can't wait.
In the meantime, I just stare into those blue eyes and get mesmerized :-)