I’m looking for a DAC/Network streamer all in one box where I can just plug in a network cable and it gives me RCA analogue output.
I currently have a Matrix Audio mini-i pro 3 in my office which I love and can’t fault so tempted to just buy another, however thought I’d check what other options there are?
Very hard to beat the mini-i Pro 3 as a 1 box solution. I own the MA mini-i Pro 3 and also the MA X-SABRE 3. The mini-i Pro 3 is very convenient but the X-SABRE 3 sounds better. I also own a Bluesound NODE (2021) which I have in my bedroom feeding a Topping E50 DAC. If you don’t mind having a second box next to the NODE, then the NODE + E50 Combo is also very nice.
I have a Matrix Audio Mini I Pro 3 and it sounds really good in my main system using balanced cables. I also have an Orchard Pecan Pi streamer/DAC connected to my AVR/TV system using RCA cables. That also sounds good. I briefly connected the Pecan Pi to my main system using RCA cables and it appeared to hold its own against the more expensive Mini I Pro 3. My initial reaction was that the differences between the two streamers were not significant. I have not tried the Pecan Pi using balanced cables with my main system.
The Mini I Pro 3 completely outclasses the Pecan Pi in terms of features, build, and functionality, which is why I purchased the Mini I Pro 3. The Pecan Pi like other Pi based systems are kind of clunky, but it really sounds good. Orchard Audio sells the Pecan Pi Ultra, which has a display that is much bigger than the display on the Mini I Pro 3.
I’ve got a couple of Allo Pi/SBC boxes but find the whole Pi/Linux/SD memory card a little unreaible. Sometimes they need rebooting or give strange issues, think they are great if you don’t mind fiddling, but want some more like the MA Mini i that just always works.