Best player for Spotify

I use an Ayre Codex DAC with my Bluesound Node (first version).
The Bluesound DAC isn't bad, but it isn't great. Using the Ayre Codex gives me the best of both worlds.
Are you playing through speakers or headphones?
Bob

Through speakers, a set of Genesis APM -1. I will read about the Ayre. Thank you.

Bob,
What output do you use between Node and Codex? The only way on Node 2 to a Codex Optical. Thanks.
Tim

I have a Cambridge Audio 851N streamer and before that a Cambridge CXN. Readily available new and used starting about $600. They are designed to stream Spotify and are controlled via IPAD or tablet. They extract the best sound from the Spotify stream. They have excellent reviews, are very well built. I have had mine for more than a year and love it.

@mr_m 
Yup, I use an optical cable from the Node to the Ayre, Balanced to the amp (AX-7e).
@OP
I was using a Schiit Gungnir (non-multibit). The Schiit was good, the Ayre was better. I may opt to upgrade the Gungy in the future.
BTW, Arthurd, I feel that DAC's and streamers have a long way to go, so I buy the best sounding units, from companies that offer future upgrades. In my opinion, I consider the fact that technology will be render many of these products obsolete after a year or two. So, spending more than $2-3K on such devices is not the way to go. (Actually, I buy used, so I save a bit more).
Bob

I'm not one to spend great sums on digital either. It changes way to fast. Would like to try an Ayre Codex with optical to my Node 2. Although I would lose the MQA. If that is important or not....
Tim

gdnrbob- you have a killer combo there. The BS Node and the Ayer Codex must sound fantastic. For the OP, yeah that would work great for Spotify but Tidal or any other streaming service that allows for hi-res music will sound stunning out of gdnrbob's pairing of components. Currently, I just happen to like some select MQA masters albums on Tidal.

Sonos has great user interface. Spotify sound quality is poor so not worth spending more.  If you were to use Tidal that would change things

I don’t claim this is the best but I use a Raspberry Pi to stream Spotify. Mine has a Allo Boss DAC HAT. Check out this review:
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2017/08/allos-digione-pulls-five-star-sound-quality-from-the-raspb...

I use Volumio software with spotify connect and is very easy to install and use with my android phone as remote.

The Node 2 would be an excellent low cost starting point for you. It has a very good high speed processor and a decent built-in DAC. If you're willing to spend more, the Cambridge Audio 851N would be a good upgrade. I currently have one in my main system and am enjoying it. It's internal DAC is a definite upgrade from the Node 2 and it can double as a very good digital pre-amp which may be an upgrade over your current preamp, as long as you don't need any analog inputs for CD, tuner or turntable.

Chromecast Audio is a great and very affordable starting point at $35. Analogue output is pretty good at Spotify resolutions. If you like it you can always later use its optical digital output and invest in an external DAC (the DAC is where the sound quality variable resides). See here for a serious test: http://archimago.blogspot.nl/2016/02/measurements-google-chromecast-audio_27.html
Enjoy.

Iphone

Arcam rPlay.

Use DTSPlayFi for Spotify, or use Tidal. The Internal DAC is okay, not the best. When paired up with a really nice DAC, sounds really good. Super easy to use. Nice and compact. Not the cheapest by any means. Nice build quality. Pairs well with the Arcam irDAC, or irDAC-II or go for a higher end DAC and it can sound very nice with Spotify Premium.  

I use a Denon HEOS Link to stream Spotify, and use its digital output to drive an external DAC.  The internal DAC in the HEOS Link is pretty decent too.

Like mortsnet, I use an RPI to stream running Volumio. I have mine in a squueezbox type of setup with a nice case and touchscreen, using a HIFIBERRY hat for the dac. All in I am under $150 and I believe it sounds great. I use an audioquest red in the car and like it as well. The rapid shift in technology makes it hard for me to justify lnvestment grade components in streaming. With Volumio, I believe Spotify would be free but a nominal charge to stream Tidal. 

OP

Do you have DAC?  And do you wish to continue to stream from your phone?

You can create playlists in Foobar2000 for your Spotify playlists. The advantage is you can upsample the songs, if you prefer it that way. Of course Spotify Connect with the Spotify app on the desktop is also a way to go.

The spam for music converters is off the chain in this thread.

If you want to play Spotify music on other, more popular music players such as Google Play, iTunes, MP3 Player, Windows Media Player, VLC, Tidal or Web Player, you will need to record and download Spotify music or playlists as digital audio files so that you can import the converted Spotify music into these music players for playback.

 

To do this, you can try AudFree Spotify Converter, which can record and download Spotify music to regular MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV and retain the original sound quality. In addition, all ID3 tags, including title, artwork, artist, album, genre, track number will be retained for better organisation of your music library.