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Best budget streamer on the market now?

I know there have been lots of threads around this subject but the market moves forward very quickly on this tech so....

Using Google Chromecast Audio right now for my two older systems and while I do not have a problem with the units themselves the control app, BubbleupNp leaves something to be desired constantly crashing on my android phone.
Now maybe someone knows of a better more stable app for starters?

Failing that all I need is the ability to connect wirelessly to my home network ( has to be able to connect to Qobuz!) and be able to send an analog out signal via stereo rca ( my older system integrateds do not have any other options).
No other features required.

Thank you.
uberwaltz

Showing 6 responses by classdstreamer

classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
174 posts
 
@dtx, casting goes over WiFi but you get to use your phone as remote, just like the bluesound app. You just get to use the UI that the streaming service built.

@OP, upon reading, I may have misunderstood you about casting.  I have heard that Bluesound is an amazing way to go. I'm considering it myself. However, now that I have a Chromecast Audio into an external DAC, an iFi SPIDF reclocker ($150) may be a much better purchase than a Node.
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
174 posts
 
I recommend you try the Amazon Music service. It has a bigger music selection than Qobuz and also supports casting. 

Amazon just released a $200 streamer too. Darko reviewed it. Check it out too. Darko says it's the worst streamer he's heard but unlike the Chromecast, the new Amazon unit also supports a home server. 
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
174 posts
 
@OP, you have to select a song to see the cast button. Try playing a song then looking in the top right. I use android too. It’s an unfortunate user experience issue to Qobuz.

Google cast is the platform agnostic solution that small hardware manufacturers should be implementing to complete with those companies who also develop and maintain their own software. So far, the list of HiFi gear supporting casting is minimal.

I recommend trying the free 90-day trial for Amazon Music. Library of 50M songs in CD quality and under 10M in 24bit. The convenience might dissuade you from maintaining your home server. And the UI user experience tops Qobuz. Best.
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
174 posts
 
OP, 

I use a Chromecast with Qobuz. Ditch that app. You can cast directly to the Chromecast from the Qobuz app by "casting." Click on a song. In the top right corner is a rectangle. Click that and choose the Chromecast attached to you HiFi. Then play the song.
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
174 posts
 
Yes...

Qobuz doesn’t have the resources to invest in user experience, design, library size, content curation, et al., to compete with Amazon Music. I don’t know how Qobuz will distinguish themselves going forward. Qobuz will start bleeding market share as people like me switch to Amazon Music. Plus, for less than the price of one high res subscription on Qobuz, I can get a high res family subscription on Amazon Music. I’m excited to introduce the family to high res content this Christmas.
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
174 posts
 
@tlee1, have you tried the bluesound with the iFi reclocker? I wonder about the value of the  Nodes as merely streamers. 
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