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
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.
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For under $100 you can get an Amazon Echo and a patch cable that connects to your Linn's Auxiliary input. If you're an Amazon Prime member, youre almost done. Use the Amazon Music App to connect Amazon Music as your source. For a $99 annual upgrade fee, you get Amazon Music Unlimited and access to 100 Million songs, plus podcasts, and one free book a month from Audible, all in CD or better than CD quality. All with the best voice control on the market. You can also connect to other streaming services, if you wish. The perfectionists on this forum will be *shocked* at this recommendation, but im also sure they haven't tried it. The integration is very effortless, and you may be able to add a switched outlet to give you power on/off for the amp. The Echo itself can support any streaming speed Amazon Music supports, up to 24-bit 192 Kbps, over 4X faster than CD quality requires. Feel free to spend on the WIIM and Bluesound equipment. both are very high quality solutions, but voice control is going to be a challenge. I own a Bluesound Node, and voice control is not, to my knowledge, supported. WIIM does support Alexa, but you still need an Echo for microphones and to act as a control hub. Personally, I would start simply, with just an Echo. Then, if you feel the need to upgrade, consider the WIIM Pro Plus. |
The Bluesound Node (130) is an excellent option. Look on fleabay. Can get a brand new one at a very reasonable price. |
Eversolo just came out with an all in one and 60 watts class d amp combined it retails for 600 $ .good luck in your search and bless you for your care for the kids.i trained at eastern Virginia med school with operation smile .have fixed many clef lip and palates in my life it is a blessing to these kids.both social and physical.keep up the good work.enjoy the music and life. |
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