Streaming recommendations


I am looking to add a streamer to my home system. I want to connect it to my Emotiva ERC-4 via the TOSlink. I would control the device via my Fire tablet or iPad 3 (both are pretty good  with my Visio Smart TVs.) or my android phone. What is a good unit that is budget friendly?

jcipale

+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. 

 


 

 

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.

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!!!

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.

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..