Inexpensive streaming amplifier


My daughter, (not an audiophile), just moved into a small apartment in Brooklyn, and we want to buy her a streaming amp to connect to apple music, and her TV for movies.  She already has a pair of (hand me down from my son) Wharfdale 10.1 (small bookshelf) speakers to sit on either side of the TV.  Any suggestions?  Thank you.

kb54

I also like the idea of the PSA Sprout.  Space conscious little Class D to power the speakers and the TV and Blue Tooth Apple music with the interface she is already accustomed to. 

 

Or really go hog wild and do A Wadia 151 DAC/AMP with a Blue Tooth transmitter .  Couple of 151s over on TMR for less than $500.

Sell the Wharfedales and get a pair of SVS Prime Wireless Pro. Self-contained speaker/amps/streamer they won't crowd a NYC apartment and they will rock if asked. They offer just about every kind of connectivity available including HDMI ARC/eARC. In addition to the phone app they also have an IR remote, voice support and good old knobs on the front. Or, keep the Wharfdales and use the 150W/Channel SVS Soundbase. It features the same kind of capability and flexibility as the PWPs for only $699, Both have a list of positive reviews and awards as long as your arm from all over the world. 

I am feeling "uniquely" qualified to chime in here, for a.) having had first hand experience with many recommendations here (I own a Powernode, PS Sprout, Wiim, Apple TV, among higher end stuff) and b.) living in Brooklyn myself and c.) having set up other non-audiophiles (both kids & parents) with similar needs with limited budget.

My guess is that size is important and that smaller (in this case) is better than any of the suggested full-size solutions such as AV receivers/Cambridge/Audiolab units, regardless of brand and functionality. With a budget around $750 from what has been recommended thus far, the Powernode Edge would get my vote also as a clean, compact and proven solution.

However, as others have mentioned, that is not necessarily inexpensive by everyone’s definition, including myself. And for the record, we had dinner last night 2 people including 2 Margaritas and spent just under $90 incl. 20% tip. Just sayin’…

So for the less fortunate on a tighter budget, I have the following suggestions:

1.) A one box solution I bought to set up my in-laws with, the Arylic A50+ on Amazon for $220
Has Airplay to stream from her devices. TV can be connected either via optical or RCA in - no HDMI so you would need to make sure her TV has one or the other out.

2) A two unit solution, but still VERY compact for $235. The newer Arylic B50, with HDMI Arc and better connectivity all around (aptX HD, 2 analog in incl. phono (!), proper binding posts for her speakers) for only $150 - PLUS the astounding Wiim mini for streamer capability ($85)  

3) The even cheaper ”two very small unit” solution that I have going myself: The aforementioned Wiim mini + the Ayima 07 that currently sells for $60 after $20 coupon on Amazon that can drive more demanding speakers. The total comes out to a whopping $145. Again, the TV can be connected either via optical or RCA to the Wiim which allows remote control incl. volume via the Wiim app.

 

Daddy day sale over on Arylic site and you can get the H50 for 20% off and that unit has optical, HDMI (ARC) and an ESS DAC I do believe.   

I'd like to thank everyone for their responses; I should have been more specific about budget, because we were hoping to keep it under $300.  I just bought the Arylic A50+ (thank you @nkphoto), which should work well for her (Apple music and TV).  Thanks again!