Dreaming of Streaming: Is £2,000 and Above the Golden Number in the World of Streamers?
/Matt at our Cardiff store takes a closer look at the world of streaming, focusing on the £2,000 and above price bracket—often considered the higher echelon of streaming. For those eyeing a significant upgrade to the source end of their Hi-Fi systems, Matt has chosen three standout streamers that shine in this category. Let’s join him on this month’s journey to see what he’s discovered.
Where Streaming Fits Into My System
Over the past three years, my Hi-Fi system has evolved dramatically, as many of you may have noticed in my blogs. I’ve made various upgrades and additions, covering both vinyl and CD playback. Yet, one key source remains conspicuously absent: streaming.
So why haven’t I added a streamer to my setup? After all, for many, streaming is the cornerstone of a modern Hi-Fi system. As we often say, the source comes first—it’s the voice of the system, setting the tone for everything downstream.
Streaming offers unparalleled access to music, far removed from the days of flipping through records at my local shop, Spillers in Cardiff, debating whether an album was a one-track wonder or a masterpiece. Today, with platforms like Qobuz, discovering new music is effortless, and that’s a compelling reason to embrace streaming.
Why Focus on the £2,000 Bracket?
As we know, the quality of the source should match the rest of your Hi-Fi system. The £2,000 bracket marks the point where streamers begin to deliver exceptional build quality and components, including DACs and power supplies. Many models also allow for upgrades with external power supplies, much like turntables or CD players.
The Contenders
To explore this world, I’ve chosen three streamers that sit confidently in this range:
Cyrus Stream XR
cyrus stream xr
With my system already built around the latest Cyrus Classic range, the Stream XR is a natural choice for synergy. Featuring Cyrus’s second-generation QXR DAC, based on the ESS9038Q2M chipset, it offers stunning performance. Its internal power supply is another standout, delivering clean, stable power for uncompromised sound quality. The BluOS interface, developed in partnership with Bluesound, is intuitive and seamless to use.
AURALiC Vega S1
auralic s1 streamer
Next is the AURALiC Vega S1 Streaming DAC. AURALiC has long intrigued me, and the Vega S1 more than lives up to its reputation. Introduced with the Tesla G3 streaming platform, it delivers exceptional processing power and flexibility. The Lightning DS app is highly user-friendly, and the build quality is outstanding. The Vega S1 also features three DAC filters, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your preference. It’s a dream for those who love to tweak and experiment.
Naim ND5 XS 2
Naim is a name that requires no introduction, with years of experience in streaming technology. The ND5 XS 2 features a Burr-Brown DAC, offering a rich, detailed sound. Its proprietary streaming app is both reliable and intuitive, making it a joy to use. The ND5 XS 2 brings warmth and detail, making it a classic choice for discerning listeners.
The Listening Test
Now, the real fun begins! To put these streamers to the test, I used a range of music across genres:
Rush: Counterparts (1993) – Leave That Thing Alone
John Mayer: Continuum (2006) – Belief
Rory Gallagher: Top Priority (1979) – Bad Penny
Red Dragon Cartel: Patina (2008) – Chasing Ghosts
Big Wreck: Pages (2023) – In Fair Light
Soundgarden: King Animal (2012) – Taree
Cyrus Stream XR
The Stream XR’s synergy with my Cyrus Classic amplifier was immediately evident. Its QXR DAC revealed intricate details, like the texture in Rory Gallagher’s guitar tone and the gravel in his voice. The BluOS interface made browsing Qobuz effortless.
Auralic Vega S1
The Vega S1’s sound was expansive, revealing layers in Big Wreck’s In Fair Light that I hadn’t noticed before. The DAC filters added flexibility, letting me tailor the sound to suit the track.
Naim ND5 XS 2
The ND5 XS 2 delivered a spacious soundstage and a beautifully warm tone. Tracks like Taree by Soundgarden highlighted its ability to balance detail with musicality, showcasing both the power and nuance of the recording.
The Verdict
All three streamers are excellent, capable of decoding HD formats up to 32-bit and offering fantastic connectivity. However, the Cyrus and Auralic models allow for external power supply upgrades, which elevate their performance but push them beyond the £2,000 budget.
In Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in Hi-Fi. Each of these streamers delivers exceptional performance, and the best choice depends on your system and preferences. Why not visit your local Audio T store and have a listen for yourself?
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
Matt - Audio T Cardiff
If you have any questions about any of the equipment featured in this article, or any other Hi-Fi or home cinema enquiries, be sure to Contact Us.
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Naim can be found at the following Audio T stores
AURALiC can be found at the following Audio T stores
Cyrus can be found at the following Audio T stores
*All prices, credit terms and interest rates quoted are correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. E&OE
