Streaming recommendations

@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

@jeffbij

+1

Hey, fellow Vancouverian.

All good choices for your system.

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.

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

+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.