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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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
reg19
80 posts
 
Reviving this thread. Have some questions.

I have them all (Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon HD) and prefer Amazon HD as their Ultra HD content has increased quite a bit during the past few months. Also, their native app is quite good.

Want to stream to a Marantz SR6014 receiver (used as a pre-amp for the Parasound A21 power amp). I have a Chromecast (not Chromecast Audio) and an Apple TV connected as the only two HDMI sources into the AVR.

Marantz AVR has HEOS and Apple Airplay 2 capability.

I get the best sound quality when I use the Amazon Music HD account HEOS app on my phone / tablet . However, the usability of the Amazon Music account on the HEOS app is beyond horrible. Unusual as the Tidal account usability on the HEOS app is pretty decent. Takes time for a selected track to play. Stops at end of track (does not continue to next track). Also, cannot play my favorite playlists / tracks.

There is an option to use Airplay 2 with my Amazon Music HD app on my phone / tablet but that does not sound as good (just CD quality).

However (go figure), Airplay 2 option works good while using the Tidal app on my phone (I get Master quality and it does sound better than playing Tidal via HEOS app which is CD quality). So confusing.

Qobuz: I wish there were an easy way to stream effectively to my receiver. Does not sound as good when streaming through my Apple TV or Chromecast (that are connected to my AVR via HDMI).

Any sugggestions? Anyone found workarounds for Amazon Music HD on HEOS?

I am not familiar with DNLA / UPNP but it sounds complicated / expensive.

TIA.

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.
triumph900
3 posts
 
I always used my Bluesound Node 2i as a streamer for Qobuz HiRez, Tidal Mqa and now Amazon HD. As a Dac I have a Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro Mqa. Quality and ease of connection to Amazon HD account is flawless with the BlueOS App. Sound quality is excellent. HiRez library is really huge. You can find the Chesky Records album library in CD quality (16/44). What Amazon HD at the moment is lacking is the interface with respect to Tidal or Qobuz. 
josephp732
22 posts
 
For a standalone streamer the Cocktail Audio line supports direct streaming of Amazon HD/UHD music. 
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.
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