Is there such a thing as a good medium priced music streamer?


OK, been using a Marantz ND8006 for 5 years or so for the infrequent times I stream music in my living room. (Infrequent cuz its a PIA) The unit is a better CDP than streamer as the HEOS app it uses is a pain in the ass in this configuration where it is resident on a separate tablet. It was a sound upgrade from a Logitech streamer I had for years which was easy to use and my wife liked but had lost support. She "dislikes to hates" the Marantz. It impacts the amount of time she listens to IR or Amazon or Spotify at home. Frankly does the same for me. So, I figured it is time for a step up to a better/dedicated streamer. I frankly was blown away by how many there are out there as well a how fragmented the functions are. I want something that will 1) stream from Tidal, Spotify, Amazon HD,etc 2) play FLAC or WAV files from my network NAS, 3) play IR like WBGO, etc. I am comfortable with spending say $2k new, maybe up to $3k if there is really a gain in sound or ease of use, reliability. I am assuming a dedicated unit will be superior to one embedded in an amp like the Marantz Model 40 or others like that. Am I "deluded", have a good enough understanding of the landscape technically (I question that frankly) and does this exist. BTW, I have heard a couple of the more costly units like 2 from Auralic and Aurender but they are out of my retiree price range. I have lurked/read alot of the posts on here on this topic and am frankly a little overwhelmed at the permutations and combinations. Im beginning to feel like a 66yo dinosaur...HELP!

joekapahulu

I would consider adding a WiiM Pro ($169, link) if the streaming interface is the real pain point. You already have a NAS and a good sounding DAC in the Marantz. The WiiM Pro would replace the streaming function and can be connected to the coax digital input on the Marantz with the appropriate cable.

 

The WiiM Home app supports Amazon, Spotify, TIDAL and internet radio via TuneIn / vTuner / Radio Paradise / etc. However, it doesn’t support directly connecting to a network share at the moment. That means you’d need to enable the UPnP server on your NAS so the app can browse and playback your local music collection.

 

The best part is that you can buy the WiiM from Amazon direct and return it if you don’t like it.

Here, just buy this used Innuos Zen. Not only is it a great streamer, it also includes their excellent Sense app that’s not only easy to use but sounds great and is constantly being upgraded/supported by the company. And, oh yeah, you can just load all your CDs into it and have ALL your music available in any order you wish from your chair. And they also offer top-notch customer support if you ever need it. Seems to check all your boxes. You, and most importantly your wife, will be thrilled.  Best of luck.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb40jg-curious-original-usb-cable-compare-to-any-1-000-usb-cable-45-day-audition-and-fr-da-converters