Audiobyte Super Hub MKII Network Streamer

The Audiobyte Super Hub MKII is a network streamer that prepares music from your home network, NAS drives and streaming services and passes it on as a pure digital signal to an external D/A converter. No analog output, no compromise along the way – just as clean a signal as possible on the final stretch to the converter.

Inside works an FPGA from the AMD Zynq-7000 series instead of an off-the-shelf SoC – Audiobyte programs the clock generation and data path itself. That sounds like nitpicking, but it's exactly the hands-on work that makes the difference between "it works" and "it's worth it".

Why the Super Hub MKII?

Because it doesn't limit itself to a single discipline. UPnP, AirPlay, DLNA, Roon Ready, plus Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz integrated directly – the Super Hub MKII plays practically anything that comes from the network, without you having to commit to one ecosystem. Add to that a massive, anodized aluminum block as a housing that doubles as a heat sink and shielding – not just because it looks good.

What you hear / get / experience

Directly, you don't hear anything at first – the Super Hub MKII has no output of its own to the amplifier, it's the transport. But what you do notice: fewer dropouts, a device that simply shows up on the network and does what it's supposed to. Via I2S through an HDMI connector, it passes the signal untouched to a compatible DAC – supplemented by coaxial S/PDIF for anyone who doesn't (yet) have an I2S input.

Who is the Super Hub MKII suited for? (and who isn't it for)

For anyone looking for a dedicated transport without a built-in converter – whether with Roon, a streaming subscription or your own music collection on NAS. Straight talk: if you want a converter built in, or want to go straight to the amplifier, you additionally need a DAC like the Super Vox – on its own, the Super Hub MKII doesn't yet make a chain.

Our verdict

A streamer that focuses on streaming and thinks the FPGA craftsmanship through to its logical conclusion, instead of piling on features nobody needs. Anyone staying within the Audiobyte ecosystem (Super Vox, Super Head) gets a chain that's consistent both visually and sonically – no coincidence, but a statement.

Technical data

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 300 × 62 × 290 mm
• Weight: 6 kg
• Housing: sandblasted, anodized solid aluminum block, CNC-machined
• Finish: silver or black anodized
• Digital inputs: AES/EBU, optical Toslink, coaxial S/PDIF
• Digital outputs: I2S via HDMI connector, coaxial S/PDIF
• Network: RJ45 (10/100/1000 Mbit/s), NFS, SMB v1–v3, UPnP
• Streaming services: Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, AirPlay, DLNA
• Controls: 3-inch IPS touchscreen, control via Android and iOS app
• Processor: FPGA AMD Zynq-7000 series (SoC)
• Power supply: internal linear power supply, 110/220 V AC
• Output level: no analog output – pure digital transport (I2S/S-PDIF)
• Headphone output: not present
• Included: Audiobyte Super Hub MKII, user manual

Frequently asked questions

Does the Super Hub MKII need a separate DAC?

Yes, absolutely. The Super Hub MKII is a pure transport with no analog output whatsoever. It passes the music signal on purely digitally, via I2S through an HDMI connector or coaxial S/PDIF, to an external D/A converter such as the Audiobyte Super Vox from the same series. Without a DAC it stays silent.

Does the Super Hub MKII work without a streaming subscription?

Yes. Besides Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz, it plays music from your NAS or home network via UPnP and DLNA just as normally. A streaming subscription is an option with this device, not a requirement – your own music collection works just as well.

Is the Super Hub MKII Roon Ready certified?

Yes, it carries the official Roon Ready seal and can be integrated directly as an endpoint into an existing Roon Core installation – no additional bridge, no detours, just select it in the Roon interface, assign it and get going. Handy for anyone who already maintains a grown Roon library at home and doesn't want to tinker any further.

What resolution does the I2S output support?

Audiobyte designs the I2S output for high-resolution PCM as well as DSD; the resolution you can actually use depends on the connected D/A converter, such as the Super Vox. We're happy to clarify the exact format list for your specific combination together with Mauri before you order.

Why buy the Audiobyte Super Hub MKII at HD Zürisee?

Because we've known since 1997 which streaming combination really runs reliably day to day, and we personally advise you on network integration, Roon and the right DAC pairing. Call us, write to us or reach out on WhatsApp – we think through the whole chain with you.

Goes well with

As its digital counterpart, a D/A converter belongs alongside it – the Audiobyte Super Vox is built exactly for that. For the connection, clean cable material matters, and if you want to stack the whole rig neatly, the HiFi rack range has the right stand.