Help selecting a streamer?

[John Jordan]

Matt-

If you have an old laptop kicking around, it's another possibility. Something like a 2010 MacBook would have more than decent sound and give you ability to use USB or Toslink connects. Installing additional memory and an SSD is pretty straight forward for faster boot times and smoother operation.

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by John Jordan

Matt-

Something like a 2010 MacBook would have more than decent sound and give you ability to use USB or Toslink connects.

This is exactly what I use to USB stream iTunes to my DAC. Sound quality of ripped CD's as good as or better than using CD player. I can't hear any difference in music streamed from iTunes vs. Tidal. (My iPhone works just as well as the laptop.)

[nicoff]

To the OP: Contrarian voice here just for balance. If you are planning to use a separate DAC, then you don’t need to spend a thousand dollars on a streamer. Heck, a cheap Raspberry Pi with an Ethernet input and asynchronous USB output will do and then you let your DAC do its work.

[clpetersen]

Originally Posted by nicoff

To the OP: Contrarian voice here just for balance. If you are planning to use a separate DAC, then you don’t need to spend a thousand dollars on a streamer. Heck, a cheap Raspberry Pi with an Ethernet input and asynchronous USB output will do and then you let your DAC do its work.

Agree. Tons of options. Since you indicated streaming only, consider Sonos. Compatible with lossless Tidal and Qobuz HiFi subscriptions. Under $500 and one of the best overall apps around. Main strength is native compatibility with just about every streaming service out there.

[GreginNH1]

Bluesound Node or Vault would do the trick quite nicely.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Matt Lane

Thanks guys - still trying to figure this out (understand technically what I really need).

Budget is 'low as possible' +/- $1K?

Silly question, but my main system has the Aurender, which I run off my Ipad. The Aurender has a single USB out (only), into my DAC. Is there any way or reason I cannot split the USB out from the Aurender, and have a second USB cable routed upstairs into the room for the second system? I am happy with the Conductor app/TIDAL integration, so wondering if in fact I need a new component after all?

In any case, minus the local storage which I am willing to give up, I would like an all-in-one solution that can be run much like the Aurender. I don't want to have to run a computer to do this.

Thanks for the advice and ideas.

Cheers

Matt

Matt, when you say you don't want a computer to provide, for example, to function as a music server and access storage, does that mean you also don't want to have to use a smart phone or tablet to control providing content to the streamer? Or, would that be okay?

[Formerly YB-2]

Just heard from Yamaha. As feared, their NP-S303 is strictly for the EU market and they have no plans for a comparable product for NA.

[bart]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Just heard from Yamaha. As feared, their NP-S303 is strictly for the EU market and they have no plans for a comparable product for NA.

That's a pity Glenn!
It's a darn good product at a bargain price.

[Formerly YB-2]

Bart - is there any reason that the Yamaha would not work in NA with a step-up transformer? Any specific technology that would not work over here?

[JMD]

There is a Lumin D1 with the upgraded Sbooster power supply on Audiogon for $1200 that will do everything you need. No need for a outboard dac.