2. digital
  3. 188544-2194

on the cheap

I am looking for suggestions for an inexpensive streamer for my sister. I mean a couple hundred bucks. Does anybody make such a thing that would not have to be hooked up to the internet but would work via wi-fi or bluetooth? AND also have a built in dac. Stereo is not her life like some of us. The simpler the better. Would not have to be new. It would be nice also to have the ability to have cd storage. Is it also possible to not have to be run with tidal and be controlled by an app?

thanks

dpm2340
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,689 posts
 

I bought an open box Bluesound Node, N130. It’s a streamer and DAC all in one.  It gives you access to probably all the pay services as well as Internet Radio and DNLA, so you can access tunes on your computer or NAS.

All the best.

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,608 posts
 

@waytoomuchstuff , yeah...Now 42" flat screens are cheap, VCRs' are at Goodwill for nil, and SOTA CDs' are sorta all over the board...

Physically small boxes can cost as much as 'spine-stretching' boat anchor amps, and cabling can rival some necklaces per linear foot.

Less is more, more is less....more or less at the same time and at the same place,

Makes my head hurt....and wallet want to hide.... ;)

wingtip43
3 posts
 

Comcast Audio, $35

jrwaudio
345 posts
 

Simple way to connect a streamer to a receiver with Bluetooth is the Audio Engine B1 Connect via RCA and it also connects flawlessly to your phone 

moonwatcher
446 posts
 

+6 for any WiiM product. The WiiM Mini (hockey puck design) is reputed to have a "thicker, darker sound" than the WiiM Pro or Pro Plus so I'd choose one of those instead and call it a day. The great thing about the WiiM's are their software. So easy to use.  No matter how good something is, if the user interface sucks and is aggravating to use, you simply won't use it. 

I've read some stories on this forum about some relatively expensive streamers that have piss poor software.  That WiiM can go head-to-head with BlueOS on useability is a great selling point. 

There are rumors that WiiM is coming out with yet another "better" streamer, but what it will be, and when it will be out, is anyone's guess. 

If she doesn't have an amp, you might want to look at the WiiM Amp, which has the streamer built-in.  The WiiM Amp has these features:

  • analog stereo line-level RCA input (for a CD player maybe)
  • optical digital input (for a CD player maybe)
  • HDMI ARC port for a compatible TV (if this is important to her)
  • USB Type-A input for connecting an external drive loaded with music (you could load up a drive with CD rips for her).


I wouldn't be embarrassed to use a WiiM Pro Plus to feed say up to a Denafrips Ares II 12th DAC and think I was getting about as much out of the Ares as you can get. 

But of course, for your sister, you can get by with the WiiM Pro Plus just fine. 

More to discover