Budget streaming amp


This subject has probably been beaten to death... I will keep this very simple - I have a pair of passive bookshelf speakers and a room. What do you like/hate/love about of these 5 options? What other options should be considered?


Sonos Connect Amp $200 (eBay used) 

Yamaha R-N303 $300

Sonos Amp $649

Bluesound Powernode 2i $900

NAD C368 w/blueos $1400


I feel like $200 Sonos is the easy answer.


brinkmm

Showing 1 response by panzrwagn

That is the original Sonos Amp - the one that Sonos was going to brick, then changed their minds under consumer pressure.  So now it's on a dead-end app (no patches/ugrades) while newer amps will be on a different software platform entirely. That said, I had one for several years, and it was a rock. But, Sonos had taken that platform as far as it could go, that's why the new generation. 

You could also look at the Marantz NE-9000, it's $1000, but, it's a complete offering, including Echo and Google Home control.

Or, roll your own by adding an Echo Show to any integrated amp with either Bluetooth or a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable. That gives you streaming, voice control, and a 5', 8", or 10" display. Only the full-size unit has a Zigbee hub, if you want to control lights, etc.