Beginner in the Audiophile World – Looking for Streamer & Streaming Service Advice
Hi everyone,
First of all, thank you for this amazing community. It’s really encouraging for someone like me—still a total newbie in the audio world—to have a place to learn and ask questions.
I’ve recently managed to put together the system below, and I currently use Spotify from my iPhone connected via Bluetooth to my DAC. I know it’s far from ideal, and after reading a bit, I’d really like to explore the potential improvements I could get from using a proper streamer, wired to my DAC.
So here’s my main question:
– Which streaming service would you recommend (if Spotify isn’t enough)?
– And which streamer should I consider buying on the used market (Portugal or Spain)?
From my research, I’ve found options like the Lumin U1 Mini, Holo Red, and iFi Neo Stream—each seems to have strengths in sound quality, dynamics, and user interface.
I also came across some others like the Volumio Rivo, Pro-Ject Stream Box DS2 T, NP5 Prisma (MK1), and MOON 180 MiND.
Some are easier to find used than others here locally, and price is definitely something I need to be mindful of—this hobby is addictive, and I’ve already stretched my budget a bit!
My current setup:
Incoming gear:
Would really appreciate your advice and experiences, especially from anyone who’s made a similar jump from Bluetooth/Spotify to a wired streaming setup.
Thanks in advance, looking forward to learning from you all!
Spending extra on speakers you love was the right choice to make. It will be easy enough to upgrade your electronics later, at your leisure. Of all the suggestions that were made the Holo Red with HQPlayer would have been my pick, but your two finalists are both fine choices. Honestly, go for the one whose features and software you like best because I doubt you’ll hear very significant differences in sound quality between the two. But definitely ditch Spotify 😂 |
@andsan76 I would poll the community about the after purchase support for both your final choices. I can’t speak to the issue myself, but have heard dismal reports from those who purchased based on great reviews, found themselves abandoned without software support or hardware warranty repair services. Sometimes there is a reason items are on the used market. Again, I can’t speak to the specific manufacturers you have chosen, but before you stretch your budget, be sure the units will hold their value (and at least function) for a few years after they find their way to your home. Buying new may give you more options, again, if the product is properly supported. |
I’ll recommend what I use after trying all the music services and several streamers. Qobuz with the Innuos Zen MK3 streamer. They just discontinued the streamer but available used or others Innuos models available new. Their Sense app works well with Qobuz and is easy to control from a tablet or phone. |
