Need a great Hi-Fi streamer? Pi2Design Mercury is here

Pi2Design Mercury is a versatile audio streamer that goes for $799. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
Support the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): / iiwireviews
Mercury Streamer V2: www.pi2design.com/mercury-str...
iFi Power X 12V: amzn.to/3R9klR0
00:00 About Mercury Streamer
02:27 Features
04:35 Outputs (and V2)
06:35 Build
07:20 Power Supply
09:45 Sound (vs Pi2AES)
12:49 vs iFi Zen Stream
16:13 Is it worth it?
18:43 Conclusion
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / iiwireviews
Test system:
Pi2Design Mercury streamer: bit.ly/3PLha14
Ladder Schumann DAC: bit.ly/3OYjt0n
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP: acousticinvader.com/
Spirit Wind Speakers
#hifi #audiophile #streamer #stereo

[@michaelwright1602]

Thanks for this review! I used it when shopping for a new streamer, I went with the new Mercury V2, using RoPieeeXL as you suggested. Very easy to set up, as Pi2 has the software or OS readily available for download. This streamer is incredible using the RoPieeeXL OS. I have everything hardwired, the unit is out of the way behind the TV. It is truly plug, play and forget. And the sound is incredible coming out of it to my Venus II 12th DAC. I am finding for the first time that cables do matter. That is how good this streamer DAC combo is. Thanks again!

[@michaelwright1602]

Oh, I am using an LHY 12v Linear Power Supply... ;-)

[@riccitone]

Lol! Love that you reminded us that this is all about the music! GREAT and comprehensive review - as always. I'm really loving my Mercury (Version1) steamer as well. A bit frustrated that the I2s does not pinout with my D70s, but not a deal breaker. 🙏

[@paznewis107]

Great review thanks 👍 all the best from Scotland 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😸

[@bubblehead5394]

$799! Are they out of their mind?

[@e.w1408]

Thank you for the song recommendations. Excellent. More please.

[@edverbeek6292]

I always like your music choices, until then unknown to me!

[@MOWFWDU]

Thanks for the great review! Had this one one the radar for a while and v2 will be even more attractive.

[@honkyhonky1460]

Great review 👌

[@tallpaull9367]

It would be great if you could revisit the PecanPi streamer connected via star quad XLR cables (Mogami, Canare, or Belden) to your current system (with Acoustic Invaders) and compare to Streamer/Dac combos, Zen Stream, Pi2.. And compare value proposition…

[@sloboat55]

Thanks!

[@richardnelson1684]

I use a 12V motorcycle battery for my DAC and it blows away any switching AC supply. Additionally, it gets the DAC off the grid. This should also work with the streamer. Had to buy a connector/cable on Amazon and use a Battery Tender to change it offline.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Seems like this is a very high quality piece of hardware. I hope that you will have a follow up video about the various software options for this unit - because that's how we would be using it. I have tried Volumio on a Pi4 and it was clunky, and had to be reset a couple of times - which is a pain in the neck. I bought a Bluesound Node 2i, and now that I have a PD Creative power supply interface board, and a 5V LPS that works on 120V (here in the US) - it sounds fantastic! I love the Qobuz and Radio Paradise clients that are in BlueOS, and while they are not perfect, they work quite well, overall. I just looked at the Mercury V2 website, and it is priced at $799.

[@michaelwright1602]

I received my V2 a few weeks ago, I have it sending to a Venus II 12th DAC. The Volumio software it comes preloaded with, in my mind, is still in beta, or delta if there is such a thing. Pi2 has the RoPieeeXL software on their site, and it is an easy process to delete Volumio and install RoPieeeXL onto the SD card. It took me all of 15 minutes to erase, install and listening. RoPieeeXL is rock solid, and works with everything I have thrown at it, and it is much better than the Node software. Then the Mercury v2 streamer... I think at even $799 it is a bargain. Paired with a DAC like the Venus II 12th, I discovered that cables will affect the sound, it is that good. I have mine attached to an LHY 12v linear power supply, and am incredibly impressed. Everything is dead silent, no hiss no hum, nothing when at idle. The streams, all of them, with good source material sounds incredible when compared to the Node with the upgraded power supply that Vinshine Audio sells. I guess you could do better, but I do not want to spend $5000 for a streamer when the Mercury v2 does such a stellar job. Maybe if I had $10,000 speakers vs the KLH Model 5's... It is a keeper.

[@barbalabros1266]

You mentioned that you made your own DYI power cable to test the unit with different power supplies.Personally, I find it very interesting to watch a video made by you, explaining how you make those cables, what materials you choose, connections etc.... Think about it!

[@nealcaffrey1251]

I considered buying a Mercury Streamer V2, but the wait was too long and the price went up, I ended up buying the Primare NP5 MKII, it's also one of the best budget options, it would be interesting to see a review of it and a comparison with other similarly priced streamers.

[@bossybill7437]

At around 12:00 ..... Great music selections !!!

[@g-mail4743]

The HDMI video output is key for using it as a HiFi computer replacement for watching KZbin and Amazon Video!

[@mclee1061]

Thanks for the video great job. Raspberry Pi (Ifi PowerX power adaptor) + Singxer Su-6 DDC might be a great contender to the Mercury given quite similar price point. Appreciate to test it out if you happen to have a chance.

[@Wharariki]

Great review thanks Srbo. I have been deciding between a Zen Stream and the Mercury. Your comparison of sonics and features is really useful. As a DDC user I'll probably still go the Zen route, but now feel I'm making a more fully informed decision in doing so. Cheers, Jake *edit... sorry, I meant DDI (as defined below)

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Display Data Channel (DDC) / Command Interface (CI) is a type of communication between the computer and the monitor. It holds a collection of protocols used to facilitate the transmission of display-related information between the computer display and the display adapter. DDC essentially allows the monitor to inform the computer about it's.............. Everything is an acronym these days and often they are duplicates of the same term referencing yet two different subjects. Is this the type of DDC user you are? Just tryin' 'ta finga' dis out.

[@Wharariki]

@@TriAmpHiFi in the context of digital audio it is an acronym to refer to a Digital to Digital (audio) Interface, used between a digital audio source like a streamer or PC and a DAC. A DDI's input is digital audio (typically USB), output is also digital but with a range of other connections like s/pdif (optical and coaxial) and I2s. More to the point DDIs often reduce noise and reclock the signal so a DAC is fed a cleaner digital source so the DAC doesn't have to work as hard to process/clean up the signal. DDI examples are Douk Audio U2 Pro, Gustard U18, Singxer SU6.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

@@Wharariki Hey Thanks. Sorry I was a bit sarcastic, but those darn acronyms. Can't a DDI be rendered useless by choosing a DAC with a buffer and asynchronous internal clock?

[@Wharariki]

@@TriAmpHiFi Hah, no worries, I wondered but hard to tell, hopefully a useful ref for someone who doesn't know what it means. Theoretically there should be no need for them, if a DAC's digital inputs, circuitry, reclocking, galvanic isolation etc etc was implemented perfectly. I can only speak to my limited experience where inserting one into the USB chain before a Topping E50 DAC which made a big difference. Greater separation, dynamics bass weight... everything was better. So, I can only conclude Topping couldn't quite perfect the USB input on this $250 DAC. YMMV

[@TriAmpHiFi]

@@Wharariki Hhmmm.......Thanks again. I'll do some research. I'm learning. This is about the signal chain from the coax analog cable from the street, all the way to my analog preamp. The "digital frontend" Part of what irritates me is that the modem is never mentioned. The modem is an A/D converter and has it's own limitations and sonic characteristics. With the list of devices growing in the chain, I can't help but feel they are becoming overkill or outperforming the 1st link, the modem. to begin with? If Motorola makes the best A/D, why aren't I looking for a Motorola D/A? I'm interested in your opinion.

[@aldi185]

I bought ifi one day ago and its brilliant. The One thing I miss is that I can not stream Amazon music on it in it higher resolution. on airplay its cut. great film at all.

[@irisfinchmusic]

I recommend checking out the Mano ULTRA Streamer. It has a great power supply built in. Compared to the iFi Zen Stream (w/ Topping LPS), the Mano has improved clarity, instrument separation and sound stage. The overall tone is brighter than the iFi. The iFi has more bass and a warmer tone. Price is 825 Euros before VAT.

[@connorduke4619]

I understand the Mano Mk2 is indeed the best streamer up to 1,000 Euro. It has Femto clocks as well. Another reviewer spent months looking for the best sub 1,000 streamer and landed on Mano.

[@navinadv]

How does it compare with other transports/streamers like the Music Angel Bremen B1T, Primare NP5 Prisma MK2, Lindemann Limetree BRIDGE II , or Stack Audio Link II? If we have our own DAC which affordable transport/bridge/streamer would you recommend for Spotify, Tidal and a NAS? Thanks

[@grumpyginger7475]

I use the PI2AES with RopieeeXL and really enjoy it. If it had Tidal streaming It would be perfect.

[@erikolaussen860]

Hello Srboljub! Thank you very much for another very good and informative review. Does this Mercury streamer have a USB connection in the same way as the IFI Zen Stram? I now have the IFI Zen Streamer against the Denafrips Pontus II, and am very pleased. Kind regards, Erik Olaussen

[@iiWiReviews]

Hi Erik. Even though you can use USB output on Mercury streamer, it doesn't have the same signal conditioning treatment as other outputs. So if USB is the connection of choice I would stuck with Zen Stream. Personally, I use BNC connection and Mercury really shines with that one.

[@ekjellgren]

Would this be an upgrade from my Chromecast Audio (feeding a DAC with toslink) for Spotify streaming or is it overkill for just streaming?

[@5starmaniac]

Great review 👍 Will the I2S output on V2 work with Gustard r26? :)

[@michaelwright1602]

The i2s on the Mercury V2 is set to the PS Audio standard, but is adjustable via dip switches on the back. You will need to find out which pinout setting Gustard is using. I have heard they do not use the PS Audio standard like other manufacturers. Worst case, you will need a custom cable built.

[@g-mail4743]

OMY Yesss!!! Finally a good review on the Mercury(vs. the incoherent z-review video that rambled words about it)

[@surreptitiousscreamer]

z is a salesman, he even used to say he could sell ice to Eskimos in a video or two, I don't really know how he gets away with it tbh, he doesn't review anything properly at all.

[@g-mail4743]

@@surreptitiousscreamer yeah his reviews are awful, sometimes he will shine a light on something important lthat you can realize when you have an item in hand. He professing him self to be a salesman means nothing. If he behaved the way he does online in person he would not sell much(I used to sell on commission). I only watched his videos because he has all the items for review that are available (almost)

[@tallpaull9367]

iiwi, you really need to review the Doge 8 Tube Preamp ! Must be a great combo with Acoustic Invader 1200AS amp?

[@fletchermunson6225]

I wonder how it would compare to a used Node 2i and a PDCreative power supply at about $500?

[@michaelwright1602]

I had the Node N130 with the LHY power supply. The Mercury V2 walks all over it. And yes, I have an LHY 12v power supply on the Mercury V2. I will tell you one thing that had a huge impact on sound, was the purchase of the NetGear network switch, their GS108Ev3, $42 on Amazon. It not only improved the sound in everything attached to it, it also improved the picture quality on my TV. When your 80 yo mother asks what you did to the TV, and is being complimentary, you know you found something special.

[@navinadv]

How does this unit compare with other transports/streamers like the Stack Audio Link II, Music Angel Bremen B1T, Primare NP5 Prisma MK2, Lindemann Limetree BRIDGE II , or Magna Mano ULTRA mkIIA? If we have our own DAC which transport/bridge/streamer would you recommend for Spotify, Tidal and a NAS? Thanks

[@Bluewolfgd]

Will you do a review on hidiz xo went it come out?

[@toddt5562]

Interesting product, and I love the detailed analysis in your reviews! I've been checking out different streamers in my system, including the Cambridge audio cxn, Allo Digi One Signature, and ifi zen stream. I agree with your assessment that the Zen stream can be a finicky buggy little mess sometimes, but it does sound great in my system using Roon, ethernet, and an upgraded power supply. Also was curious about the Mercury, but I was a little put off by the $799 price tag. I understand it has greater connectivity and is likely less buggy, but at twice the price of the Zen stream I think I'll take a pass. I2S is a feature I value, but I already get that conversion for all my digital inputs using my Denafrips Hermes DDC. I've also found that the DDC tends to equalize the differences between streamers to a degree, since it re-clocks them with a high quality oven-controlled crystal clock and converts them to i2S. Anyway thanks again for another great and thorough review!

[@michaelkaiser5994]

Hi. I was wondering if the Zen Stream is worth an upgrade from the Wiim Mini. I’ve gone the cheap audio man route and paired it with a Geshelli J2 and Amazon HD. I would love to upgrade the streamer but putting up with the bugginess, is it worth it?Thx

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

@@michaelkaiser5994 I'm considering the Geshelli and suspect that the USB in is its highest fidelity connection. Do you agree? PS lots of reviews of the iFi report buggy software, that's the deal breaker for me.

[@michaelkaiser5994]

@@geoffreydebrito7934 I am using the optical connection.

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

@@michaelkaiser5994 you're referring to your node streamer? On mine I use the spdif coax to bypass the node's DAC

[@michaelkaiser5994]

@@geoffreydebrito7934 no,Wiim Mini.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

At 2.2 x the price of the zen stream (incl. import taxes and shipping) guess I’ll stay with Coax for a while 😅

[@bluecostas]

I would have liked to hear your opinion regarding it's performance relative to the Orchard Audio Pecan Pi which is a little cheaper. Any thoughts?

[@iiWiReviews]

PecanPi has analog outputs (integrated DAC) while this is a digital streamer only that connects to the external DAC. So not directly comparable.

[@bubblehead5394]

@@iiWiReviews yep

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

❤ I love ❤️ raspberry pi with whipped cream 😁

[@hdsarma]

Can you review the Wiim mini, it can be a killer streamer around $90.

[@willmac5642]

Price is almost Innuos Pulse Mini territory.. that wd be an interesting comparison

[@marcopignone9386]

I love my pi2AES, and I trust that the engineer has improved on the design, but $799 is a bit much for me. If I didn't already have a pi2AES I would probably splurge for the Mercury, especially if I intended to use the balanced or AES connections.

[@MattMediaAU]

Given this video is so new I'm surprised it features the Mercury which is no longer available. It would be interesting to get comparative thoughts on the Mercury2 when it is available. Questions: - Did you do any comparison of one output to another? How does I2S compare to AES and other outputs? Sound differences? - Any thoughts on the lack of USB output on this streamer when it's on so many other streamer products?

[@iiWiReviews]

I received it some two months ago and it took sometime for me to get to reviewing it. V2 happened in the meantime (actually still in development) but designer says it didn't change anything when it comes to the signal processing (sound quality) so I felt this review will be very useful even when V2 comes out. Regarding outputs, I find AES over BNC best sounding, followed by I2S, then SPDIF over RCA... AES over XLR and Optical are my least favourite. But please take this with a pinch of salt since this is heavily dependent on cables used and the DAC on the other side.

[@MattMediaAU]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks for getting back to me and yes the review is very welcome while we wait for the new version.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@MattMediaAU I have the V2 running RoPieeeXL, I prefer the AES vs the I2s. I am using the Denafrips Venus II 12th DAC.

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

You should really look into Ian Canada Raspberry Pis different Raspberry Pi solutions. Really high-end stuff!

[@theodoroschronis2966]

Hello Srboljub! I' m really fond of your reviews ! I would like to ask you what was the final price (including shiping and import taxes from USA) that you paid for the Mercury. I am in Greece and I would like to estimate the extra cost for it. Thank you and keep going!

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks! This unit was actually sent to me by Micheal from Pi2Design. That said, shipping was 75$ and Serbian import tax that's quite high at 30% of the price. I'm not familiar with Greek import taxes but shipping would probably be the same.

[@theodoroschronis2966]

@@iiWiReviews Thank you for your instant response! Unfortunately Import taxes from the USA are about the same in Greece too! - How about comparing it with the Silent Angel Munich M1T Streamer at about the same price and outputs?

[@user-cg6mk1jh6i]

Just get a used ifi zen stream for $250. The usb outputs high res pcm and dsd audio very stably even on wifi. I pair it with an ifi ipower x for cleaner power.

[@novicatoncic6908]

Tvoji rivjui su jednostavni i upecatljivi, svaka cast! Da li bi mogao da mi preporucis kameru i mikrofon?

[@iiWiReviews]

Hvala! Ja koristim Fuji X-S10 od skoro... Od kad je kvalitet videa porastao. 😊 Meni se jako sviđa aparat i eye tracking radi dobro. Mikrofon koristim Tascam DR100 MKIII, mada je samo za snimanje glasa overkill. Može i nešto povoljnije.

[@novicatoncic6908]

@@iiWiReviews hvala puno!!!

[@kevinmartin8219]

How would it compare with the Bluesound Node which has equal functions,a great app & is cheaper ? Kevin.

[@iiWiReviews]

I have heard Node 2i and sonically it is no match for either Mercury or Pi2AES. It is just not as resolving. I agree about it having a great software though.

[@michaelwright1602]

I have had the ifi, the Cambridge CXN V2, and the Node N130. The Mercury V2 walks all over all of them sonically and connection wise. It has a small footprint and I can stick it out of the way and forget about it. I loaded up what I found to be the best software for my needs and can now stream just about anything from anywhere in the house. The only feature I miss, is the Node's HDMI output to the TV. I solved that with an optical out from my TV to my DAC. No lip synch issues, so I am happy. The Mercury V2 is staying.

[@zackpetrovic3029]

Anybody know of a DAC with I2S input that is not from China around the price of Bifrost?

[@beaten_tech]

I assume you can also connect a DAC via one of the USB ports?

[@iiWiReviews]

Yes you can but USBs are not galvanicly isolated from the board like the rest of the outputs and don't perform as well in terms of sound quality.

[@xlr82bgr8]

@@iiWiReviews Really enjoy your channel and bought the RU6. also because of your review. (to stream from Apple Music files from iPhone to my car) Turns out it sounds even better on my home set up. Problem is I cannot use Toslink output from tv to my RU6. Was thinking of Ares II, Mercury V2 to connect above two sources to my little Job Stereo amplifier and my Stereolith Monitor 252 Stereo loudspeaker. I was thinking about the Mercury V2 to function as. DDC for the Ares II- Admittedly My knowledge in this field is not good at all, but I do appreciate the astonishing high end sound I am currently getting, but feel there is more potential. Thanks again for advice if possible. Please keep your excellent reviews coming!

[@michaelwright1602]

@@xlr82bgr8 I bought the RU6 too, and it blew away my Ares II in my setup. That really pissed me off, LOL!

[@Thoughtflux]

I paid $180 for a modded (crystek cchd957 & xmos) isolation & femtosecond reclocker from China and it transformed my system so much at i have put off buying a new dac. But it's not a streamer. I could easily buy a simple raspberry pi and attach it to make a streamer for much cheaper.

[@DenisGreenberg]

I want to ask: why not to use old Android phone with "USB audio player" in bitperfect mode as streamer? It even has SD CARD for files store and battery. Looks like cheap and perfect audiofile solution.

[@alexvlach4897]

I can't believe every aspect of this streamer was presented and discussed except for one of the most important feature when purchasing a streamer: the control app used to navigate files on a local drive. Which app do you use? What are the pros & cons of it? How do you like it? How does it compare to other options? Simply put: why is this important aspect not even discussed?

[@Karto86]

Does streamer affect sound on digital out?

[@michaelwright1602]

Mine sounds very very good, much better than the Node, CXN V2 and ifi Zen. Those are the only ones I have experience with. I do use a LHY linear power supply with mine and a Netgear GS108Nv3 network switch.

[@assal_jakob]

Thanks for the review,I got the pi2 design mercury as beta version,and I've been using it since March ,it's an amazing device , streaming to 4 DAC's simultaneously,I used multiple OS like moode and volumio , unfortunately I wasn't able to activate the m.2 NVMe SSD ,both moode and volumio could mount USB storage but they can't recognize the the NVMe,I even tried to apply some tool that will create specific OS Boot from NVMe as well could install volumio image file ,it didn't work ,big disappointment,I hope that someone will come with a code to allow these os's to use NVMe as boot or storage device !

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

Thanks for the review Srbo! My only question, as an RPi user, is how much is this Mercury better than the approx. 5x cheaper RPi4 streamer running Volumio, assuming we use the same DAC?

[@joaopedroscarcella422]

Dear Vladimir. Which connection between RPi and DAC are you using?

[@iiWiReviews]

I consider Pi4 to be a decent base streamer but if the rest of the system is resolving, this should sound noticeably cleaner and spatially better organised. But, if you intend to use USB output then Zen Stream is a better choice. This one is better for everything else.

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks Srbo! I'm using the USB out to the internal DAC of my Atoll and I can't wait for the Zen Stream to arrive in order to compare the two

[@vladimirjovanovic2803]

@@joaopedroscarcella422 Hi Joao. I'm using the USB out on the RPi at the moment, but sometimes I'm also using my Digi+ SPDIF HAT and it's optical out to my DAC

[@joaopedroscarcella422]

@@vladimirjovanovic2803 Vladmir, I have a Pi2Aes and a Denafrips Pontus II Dac for 2 months. I'm still testing which connecting is the best. With cheap cables I2S is the best. With good cables, coaxial RCA and AES are better. But I'm still trying some good I2S ones. There is no conclusion at this moment. But USB althought is very convenient, can not match the same sound quality. Optical is not recomended by anyone ( Bad jitter, low bandwidth etc..) But remember, I'm telling "my story" and what happend to you maybe different. But, one thing I can say: Pi2AES is very nice piece of equipament. And if Srbo is saying that Mercury is even better, you should consider it. Pi2Design has a Pi2Aes-Light for Us$250,00 It's a cheaper option.

[@tillaard61]

What's the function of the HDMI port?

[@iiWiReviews]

One is uses for the I2S connection, the other one for the video output if you ever decide to hook it to some sort of screen. Never did that, network UI is enough for me.

[@shinjitsumasayoshi9072]

For this price I can get a branded streamer with physical controls and color display

[@michaelwright1602]

Some of us do not have the room for one of those, nor do we need all of those features that we are not interested in. This is the main reason I bought the Mercury V2, it is small, and when installed via Ethernet, is just there, there is nothing to control with it, it simply streams what you send its way, it is virtually invisible, plug, play and forget. Mine is on a shelf behind my TV, along with its linear power supply. I control everything from my iMac, I am the only one that knows it is there. I'm using RoPieeeXL, which in nothing more than a bridge, mainly for Roon, but it works just as good with a stand alone iMac or even a tablet. Simply set the sound output to RoPieeeXL and that is it, everything you play with audio goes right to the stereo. And so far, it has been rock solid.

[@wric01]

Save your money skip the DDC/USB fixing devices to get this and linear psw. Unlimited audio os to tinker with. Symphonic-mpd rules them all. Retro gaming os out of it as a bonus.😅

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

I accept that the Mercury is a fine streamer. However, there is no USB out and @ $799. it is twice the price of the iFi Stream @ $399.00. It does have i2s outs and HDMi which the iFi Stream does not. Sound wise and based on this review, the Mercury is not notably superior to the iFi @ twice the price. Unfortunately, differences in connectivity aside, the iFi Stream's reported problems in software make it a deal breaker for me. At least until fully addressed. So, still waiting for a streamer of comparable quality sound wise with USB and HDMi out, glitch free software and at or below $500. Staying with my Node 2 for now.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Did you say this streamer has a video output? That would be singularly unique, would it not?

[@MattMediaAU]

The "video out" is for a connected screen that displays the GUI not for the playback of video files. It's a great feature but not unique to this streamer. Other examples of Pi based streamers also have this output available.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

@@MattMediaAU Well, Thank-you very much. That helps a lot.

[@milosdunjic8718]

Is it Roon Ready?

[@iiWiReviews]

That depends on the OS you decide to use. RoPieee and RoPieeeXL are Roon ready and my friend used them that way.

[@michaelwright1602]

Mercury V2 here, using RoPieeeXL with Roon, seamless integration.

[@titan90000]

M.2 interface, interesting...

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

$799 though :-/ probably a lot more in Europe... For some reason I kindof think a streamer shouldn't be more than 500

[@bubblehead5394]

Agreed. Too expensive for what it is.

[@jayman3575]

$250 to $800...ouchh...Did they mention why they stopped selling the Pi2AES?

[@iiWiReviews]

I think they just couldn't get all of the parts they need due to chip shortage. Price hike in chip industry is also causing troubles. But if I'm correct Pi2AES lite with few connection options omitted should be available nowadays... or soon in the future.

[@pfcompany885]

800$???? I'd rather buy silent angel m1t or lindeman bridge

[@philippeghost4902]

799 $ no way…..

[@chengo51]

Compare these streamers with a better system then you'll probably feel the gap where the IFI will blow off this Pi2.

[@michaelwright1602]

I had the ifi streamer, buggy as hell, sent it back. I have the Mercury V2, I loaded my own OS, RoPieeeXL and am not looking back.

[@D1N02]

800 is just way too much

[@irisfinchmusic]

Especially since the power supply needs upgrading.

[@D1N02]

@@irisfinchmusic I could build a pretty good pc for the price ;)

[@mangs9940]

If i did not mentally restrict my access to this channel, I would definitely become broke. Managed to get one of the last PI2AES - PRO based on a review from this channel. , dont think I need to upgrade on my current setup. Pi2design Company Highly recommended.

[@asan1050]

Thanks!