@jcipale -
Based on what info you mentioned and what equipment you have in your profile, I would recommend one of these three families of streamers:
- WiiM Mini/Pro/ProPlus,
- Bluesound Node (2021) and Nano, and the
- Cambridge AXN-10 or MXN-10.
All are less than $500, are solid units with both TOSlink and Coax outputs, and can be controlled by either an Andriod tablet or phone, iPad, or iPhone, using their respective software.
The only thing you might run into is compatibility with such an old iPad version. It might not be able to run the minimal required version of the control software. As for the Fire tablet, depending on the version and OS running, you may have the same problem.
- Jeff
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@jeffbij
+1
Hey, fellow Vancouverian.
All good choices for your system.
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For a budget streamer, the WIIM Mini is an easy choice. It is currently $89 usd on Amazon and sometimes goes on sale for even less. Works great and sounds good when using toslink out to a decent DAC. I've used one since they were first introduced a few years ago. Just recently replaced it with a WIIM Ultra.
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All the above posts are excellent. I just added the Wiim Pro to a 5.1 system that lacked a streamer and at $100 it’s an unbelievable audio value
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+1 recommendations above. I have a WiiM mini, WiiM Pro, Node2i w LHY LPS, and a CXN-V2 in second, third, and fourth systems.
Two additional considerations, 1) will you use an external DAC? If not, and go WiiM route, go with Pro Plus, best DAC of the three WiiM products. Great user friendly app interface. 2) what streaming service will you use? WiiM and Bluesound support Qobuz, Tidal, and Amazon HiRes native. WiiM Pro and Pro Plus compatible with new Qobuz connect. If you have AmazonPrime, their streaming service is only $10/month. Advantage WiiM and Node, although Node isn’t Qobuz Connect compatible, however BluOs app works fine.
I run external DACs on all but the Cambridge Audio, love its old twin Burr Brown DAC chips. Cambridge Audio will give you the best sound of the three brands IMO, but the fewest native streaming options, and the worst app of the three, but not a show stopper. Works fine, just not as flexible/friendly. It doesn’t have a sleep timer!!
WiiM most bang for buck, Node a step up in SQ, and Cambridge Audio top of three in SQ, but not as versatile. If just dipping your toe in streaming for first time, go WiiM Pro Plus, easy peasy.
Hope that helps.
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Without knowing exact budget, a step up in fidelity and user experience can be found at a very reasonable price with the Eversolo products. They can be used as a stand alone streaming transport, or with their DAC. If using their DAC, then the AMP-A8 is better than the A6, but as a streamer only (bypass the DAC) the A6 and A6 Master Edition are as good as much more expensive streamers on the market - IMO, but the user experience is the best I've seen.
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I bought the HIFi Rose 151, but thought it was overpriced for what I got in value so I returned it. If I buy the WiiM Mini/Pro/ProPlus, how would I use it with my projector?
I primarily watch a lot of concert videos on Tidal and YouTube Music
Thank you!!!
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I went with a Wiim mini. It works great. Plugged it in where the am/fm tuner used to be since I have not turned it on for 10 years....It streams through our wireless router from basic cable, Comcast.
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BluOS has Kindle OS software and is the only streamer I know that does. You could use the "connect" API with Spotify tidal Qobuz from the native app with compatible streamers, but I believe the Node is your clear choice here..
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trivema.
I plan on using the TOSlink/cable input on the back of my Emotiva ERC-4. I will ONLY be streaming internet radio. I LOATHE Spotify/Tidal/Qobuz and their algorithms. Call me old school if you want, but I want to hear a real human voice, not endless ads if I don't buy 'premium' service.
Thanks to all the tips. I am now leaning towards the WiiM Pro. $149 USD at amazon. Maybe cheaper if I search at a few places here in Portland (OR).
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The Aurender N20 is by far the best streamer you can buy! If you're on a budget, you can go with one of those cheap ones, or you could just install Roon.
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@jcipale - I think you will be happy with the WiiM Pro, especially if you will be using will be using basic streaming service such as internet radio.
... and @cyackulic , why you are bringing up a $12,500 streamer for someone looking for a solid budget model, escapes me.
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I have a Bluesound Vault 2i and it's been great . It's probably at least 6 years old now. I use it everyday. Several times a day.
When that dies I'll probably buy the Icon.
I did have a demo of the WiIM Ultra and I thought it sounded pretty good
You're buying into an Eco System that's driven by both the hardware manufacturer and the streaming platforms. I recommend Blusound because they have been doing it a long time and it's a solid platform. Lenbrook , parent of NAD, Bluesound, PSB, etc has huge resources. Cyrus and Roksan have both adopted the Bluesound OS for their streamers , among others.
Yes Aurender makes great machines. If you look at it from a build quality, sound quality, support prospective it's a good value, but only if your associated equipment warrants the cost. I have a N200 but I use my second system with the Vault a lot more. The Vault may not be as good but it's a much better value in the true sense of the word.
If i was looking for a sub $500 streamer I would buy a Bluesound Nano or a WiiM. End of story.
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@jcipale if you’ll just be streaming internet radio, WiiM pro a good choice. Check ebay, there may be some good secondary market options for less than retail.
Enjoy the music!
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For a budget streamer you will love, the bluesound 2i. Easiest to use interface and best for the money.
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Here’s a NO on the Eversolo DMP-A6 model.
It works. Sounds GREAT. HAs some really nice bells and whistles. I can even stream my favorite podcasts.
Tried importing CD’s into it. It only gets metadata on about - ABOT - three out of five discs. I’ve updated software, discussed with mfr, support groups on fakebook and the usual places. It’s the single most wasteful audio purchase ever.
CD’s Apple iTunes imports and populates with album art, track and album titles, 10/10, the DMP brings in as CD, track #1,2,3… etc.
Nice hardware, software, support seriously lacking. NOT worth buying. IMO. YMMV.
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My Dad has an A6 Mastee. Was working perfect and about a year into it they botched the FW and it no longer recognizes his DAC.
Its a know issue with several other DACs. It's been over a year and no resolve. When I asked for an RMA 5 days before the warranty was up they stopped communicating....
Decent hardware , terrible support and FW . Its had about 5 updates, each one had issues.
Bluesound is a much better platform , it may not have all the bells and whistles but it works for the most part.
Anyone spending $2k to $4k on an Eversolo is nuts.
I had a chance to use a WiiM Ultra and I would choose that over the A6 .
Any potential buyers should read the pages of problems over on the Zidoo forum.
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New problems were drop out son Qubuz. Really frustrating to have to put that thing in my systems to troubleshoot.
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If you are getting dropouts, what are your DNS settings? Change them to google
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4
It will work better, and usually gets you faster pings/returns. Stopped my video streaming drops.
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