Recommendations for good sounding streamer
I am looking for a decent sounding streamer without breaking the bank. My daughter has Spotify premium and it would be nice to connect up to my audio system (de Havilland UltraVerve tube preamp, McCormack DNA-1 amp, Martin Logan SL3s).
I mostly listen to vinyl (Pro-ject RPM5) and CDs (Ultech UCD100) using the internal DAC. I do have a V90 DAC however that I used for playing digital from my phone.
I don't really have the money any more for expensive digital playback. So what a recommendations for bang for the buck system. Could include using my V90 DAC.
Reading through the forum here it seems that Spotify is not the best quality digital (Tidal seems to come up a lot). But for now we have tons of Spotify playlists - just looking for an affordable way.
Some considerations:
Bluesound NODE 3
iFi Zen Stream
Any others? Pros/cons?
Try the Grace Digital Link, on sale at Amazon for $159....I love mine... https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08QKV2BNP/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A84CF7CEZAB7G&psc=1
Also, another cheap but good option, that I also own and use, is the Topping BC3 ES9018Q2C Hi-Res Audio Wireless Bluetooth LDAC Receiver @ $69....
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My first foray into a separate streamer was the new Bluesound n130. Definitely a step up from my Macbook air. Super easy setup and works great with my iphone. Then, recently purchased a used Ares 2 dac. I was surprised at the huge step up it was from the Bluesound dac. I've been messing around with them both over the past few weeks and the Ares is just much better sounding to my ears. Anyways, now I'm thinking of buying one of these less expensive streamers like the Wiim just to see what the difference could be. Maybe sell the node? We'll see. Long story short - if you already have a dac then try a stand alone streamer first. It might be all you need. Until you need something better of course! ;-) |
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