2. digital
  3. 151276-90127

Best budget streamer on the market now?

I know there have been lots of threads around this subject but the market moves forward very quickly on this tech so....

Using Google Chromecast Audio right now for my two older systems and while I do not have a problem with the units themselves the control app, BubbleupNp leaves something to be desired constantly crashing on my android phone.
Now maybe someone knows of a better more stable app for starters?

Failing that all I need is the ability to connect wirelessly to my home network ( has to be able to connect to Qobuz!) and be able to send an analog out signal via stereo rca ( my older system integrateds do not have any other options).
No other features required.

Thank you.
128x128uberwaltz
classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
161 posts
 
Yes...

Qobuz doesn’t have the resources to invest in user experience, design, library size, content curation, et al., to compete with Amazon Music. I don’t know how Qobuz will distinguish themselves going forward. Qobuz will start bleeding market share as people like me switch to Amazon Music. Plus, for less than the price of one high res subscription on Qobuz, I can get a high res family subscription on Amazon Music. I’m excited to introduce the family to high res content this Christmas.
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
@uberwaltz If your only issue is the bubbleUPNP app crashing on your phone, you might look into getting an old used tablet or something to use instead.  I use an old samsung tablet and don't think I've had the app crash in over two years.  Same situation on my phone. 

Just looks like you've got some weird technical issue with your phone & the Bubble software.  You might even ask the BubbleUPNP developer about it.  He's been responsive to me in the past, even inserting a feature in the software for me.
sleepwalker65's avatar
sleepwalker65
832 posts
 
I’d buy the BlueSound Node 2i all over again if I needed another one. Tidal MQA is rendered very nicely and non-MQA is ok for casual listening. 
ferrox
86 posts
 
Auralic is a budget streamer for me. I don't know other brands because they're not easily available in Indonesia. Even for Auralic, when I bought it few years back, I had to fly to Thailand.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
tlee1
1 posts
 
Forewarning, I am merely a novice. I had a Chromecast Audio connected through a iFi SPIDF reclocker which I greatly enjoyed. Sound was great to me. The difference between the Chromecast alone and the Chromecast plus iFi SPIDF reclocker was night and day. I eventually started having so many connectivity issues with the Chromecast that I abandoned it and bought the Bluesound Node 2i. I haven’t looked back since. 
More to discover