Best Cheap DAC Streamer


I have come to possess a fairly high quality setup with Linn Amps and Speakers, but I have no where near the wealth to buy the type of gear discussed on here. (Furthermore, if I did, I hope I would send a good chunk of it to fix cleft plates in India before spending tens of thousands on a stereo.)I tend to do most of my listening from my phone by way of car stereo, ear buds or an $85 JBL Flip speaker. 

I want to set up a home streaming/DAC device that will sound good enough for my ears. I would like the interface to be simple for getting music from a streaming service, with music info available on a display, and I would like it to have a voice activated interface which might encourage me to listen to more music on the stereo at home. I know some of you can't wait to scorn me for my weak listening abilities. Maybe you can skip it this time and let anyone speak up who has some some advice on a system for pretty close to $300 (or less!). I would consider buying used.

charleyprice

WiiM Ultra is terrific...had one in my Amazon cart and they sent me a brief offer for one at $279...Pro Plus is also quite good if you want to spend less...but the Ultra well worth the slightly higher cost, and works good as preamp too...

Whatever you decide, do not buy a Bluesound, its way overrated for the crappy SQ you get, spend your money on something worthy.

 

Matt M

Another vote for Wiim. I have many more expensive streamers, but I am always impressed by the Wiim.