Anybody Using a Portable Audio Player (DAP) As a Streamer?

I recently started using my ibasso 320 X as a streamer to my Peachtree Decco 125 Sky. The Decco amp has built in WiFi, so an external streamer isn’t required or needed. However, the ibasso connected via usb-C to usb-B perceived better. I tried LO to RCA. It sounded weak, low volume & laughable. I’ve tried coaxial to coaxial via an old external TEAC DAC as well. Perception was better, but not as transparent & open as the ibasso to amp connection. The TEAC configuration also allows me to power or keep the DAP charged up while streaming music. I’m going to try coaxial to optical next via a coaxial to optical cable. Again as a signal input + battery charger workaround due to my amps lack of a coaxial input.

It’s been a while since I started this thread. I recently gave in and made the transition from Apple Music to Qobuz (by way of Soundiiz playlist transfer) and that opened up my options for streamers. I ended up going with the WiiM Ultra, which allows me to high-pass filter my loudspeaker signal digitally to my Topping D90 III Discrete DAC while low-passing my bass to my subwoofer via the LFE output, and then utilizing a UMIC-1 microphone to apply room correction from 20-500Hz and the sound has reached an absolutely sublime place. I had also upgraded away from the Class-D Fosi amps to a pair of Topping’s Class-B B100 monoblocs which are fed by the 1-bit DAC. Loudspeakers are still LS50 Metas and subwoofer is still SB-3000. Finally I’ve been putting a lot more focus into optimizing speaker placement (prior to applying room correction and tuning my bass management).

-Ed

I used a higher end balanced Sony DAP and also LGv30 phone

good results with these devices, experimentation required