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best streamer for Amazon Music HD

Hello,

Newbie here, forgive me if I butcher the lingo.  I'd like to get some opinions on the best streamer compatible with Amazon Music HD.  This is the only streaming service I use.  Ideally I'd like to have a streamer that let's me remotely control Amazon Music from my phone with streamer connected to internet via ethernet. 

Looked at Amazon site and based on their recommendations it was mostly streamers that used DTS Play-Fi, Denon/Marantz HEOS, and beyond that not sure if any other options or how they would work.  Was initially leaning toward the Audiolab 6000N based on reviews and price, but the reviews for DTS Play-Fi were not great.  For one it said it wasn't streaming directly from the internet but rather transferring music from my phone to the streamer, and when I went to the Google app store the reviews are horrible. 

So now thinking either a Denon/Marantz HEOS or Bluesound streamer, but don't quite understand how they would work or how is usability, so any experiences to share would be helpful.  One question I have is with Bluesound would I be controlling streamer with the Amazon Music app or Bluesound app?  

Any feedback from your experiences with these streamers or any recommended Amazon music HD streamers would be greatly appreciated.  Amazon is the only streaming service I use, never tried any other hi-res services and am pretty happy with Amazon so don't care about other streaming services or Roon, hopefully that makes it simpler. 

Recently upgraded from my longtime vintage system Pioneer SX-980 & JBL 4311B to Focal 1038 & Raven Audio Nighthawk. Currently streaming Amazon from my phone directly to my DAC (Topping D50s)  using bluetooth AptX HD.  Only other music source is occasional vinyl which I'm looking to upgrade and will ask for help in another post.

The other option would be to wait it out since Amazon Music is pretty new and see what better streamers come out.  My only real complaints with my current bluetooth method are that HD music sometimes cuts out due to slow connection when playing HD or UHD, I can't play music and take videos of the kids at the same time, and the desire to improve sound quality.

Thanks in advance.


arnoldo

Showing 7 responses by arnoldo

arnoldo OP
26 posts
 
Cool, some questions for you:

-How is the usability of Amazon Music HD on the HEOS app?  Do you have all the same functionality as the native amazon music app?  Any major drawbacks?  

-Overall how do you like the HEOS app?  How is the user interface?  Does it operate smoothly?  Think I recall reviews about people having trouble logging in, connectivity issues with internet, issues crashing/freezing up...

-Have you tried using Amazon Music through your Bluesound node 2i Bluos app?  Any pros/cons of the BluOS app vs HEOS app?  
arnoldo OP
26 posts
 
That's great amosm.  Are you happy with the functionality of Amazon on BluOS?  How does it work with playlists?  Can you add songs to Amazon playlists?  Or do you create a playlist on BluOS?  I already have a lot of playlists and songs added on Amazon app, wondering if I BluOS will recognize or if I can import them to BluOS.  Generally not sure how BluOS interacts with native Amazon app features.
arnoldo OP
26 posts
 
I ended up getting the bluesound node 2i, so can't help much with HEOS. 

If your receiver has bluetooth with aptx-hd and your phone also does, can see how that sounds.  I use it when I just want background music because the bluesound app isn't as good as amazon app.  For me it sounds good.  

I don't think DNLA/UPNP is compatible with amazon music, but not an expert.
arnoldo OP
26 posts
 
I see, thanks for clarifying. 
arnoldo OP
26 posts
 
There's also the Arylic Audio S50 for $200 that streams amazon music.  Has digital outs. Supposedly the app is similar to bluesound.  Have never tried but has decent reviews.
arnoldo OP
26 posts
 
I got an arylic S50 streamer/preamp for my garage system and think it's great.  Almost like the app better than bluesound.  One thing is it only outputs CD quality, no hi-res, but for my garage application with all vintage gear it's fine.  Haven't tried in main system to compare with bluesound.

For my main system I just upgraded my Bluesound node 2i power supply with the board from PD creative and an Sbooster and it's only been a few days but feel like it's made a pretty significant improvement.  Especially the bottom end is stronger and tighter.
arnoldo OP
26 posts
 

@harnserb I had that problem a while ago but not recently.  Never confirmed but I thought it might have been because I was streaming Amazon music simultaneously from the amazon app on my computer and on the node to my system (different music, not synced).  Thought it was a feature Amazon added to prevent people from sharing their account.  Never tested to verify but hasn't happened in a few weeks, 

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