Let's make a list: Audio Network "Bridges" without DACs...?
I think this is a relevant topic for many, like me, who have a good standalone DAC and seek to keep it that way. Yet, we search for a very high quality Network "bridge" to get files from streaming services to our DAC in the highest quality, most cost-effective way.
So, thought to make a list and have you guys help us all so that others may benefit.
We all know about these:
1. Bluesound Node (has a DAC, yes, but many use it just as a bridge.) $600
2. iFi Zen Stream @ $400
3. Google Chromecat or old Apple TV - $30-$75.00
4. Project Stream Box Ultra
5. Stack Audio Link II - $900 + LPS
What's next?
4. Pro-Ject makes many different, with and without. Metrum Baby A +. Allo USBridge Sig. miniDSP SHD Studio. AES/EBU Magna Mano Ultra i2s Sonore - many. SOtM. Raspberry Pi Lumin. Is there a point? You looking for cheap? Expensive? Plug and Play? The Zen is the newest and with forthcoming software and is probably the current best buy I have no experience with it
|
For any new to the topic, "Network Bridge" is also often referred to as "Network Player" or "Renderer", providing the ability to play any digital file on a network or local drive and send the digital output to a DAC. "Streamer" is often mentioned interchangably, but streaming more specifically is taking the digital file from an internet-based service like Spotify, Qobuz or Tidal. All streamers don't have connectivity to networked drives of your own library. Some have internal drives built-in, optional or can be connected directly via cables. @ianrmack for cost effective/high-quality, one vote here for Sonore products. If budget is very tight and you're DIY-inclined, Raspberry Pi is a sub-hobby into itself. For easy/peasy on modest budget, Blusound Node variants seem to be the "Toyota Corolla" of the category.; proven/functional/decent. Cheers, Spencer |
