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Looking for a streamer

172.59.228.135
Posted on January 1, 2025 at 07:45:41
Grinnell
Audiophile

Posts: 728
Location: Front Range
Joined: December 23, 2007
 Since my last post got hijacked............

So I may have more criteria than can be realized :). Currently using a old macbook pro to stream, mostly internet radio-NPR, WWOZ, FlacBlues.

Not interested in spotify and and other streaming services.

1. Prefer used but concerned about it going out of date with software interface

2. Would love to have some storage no more than 1TB needed, external is fine. For my Itunes collection

3. good software controls for Iphone

4. Doesnt have to have a DAC I have a nice one im happy with

5. Price well WAF easily under $1000.00, Under $500.00 is better

6. Easy to use WAF

TIA

 

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RE: Looking for a streamer, posted on January 1, 2025 at 07:58:50
pbarach
Audiophile

Posts: 3444
Location: Ohio
Joined: June 22, 2008
 Check out the Bluesound Node. Streams files up to 24/192 from my PC via WiFi. You can also plug in a USB flash drive or hard drive. The BluOS app works fine to control the unit via iPhone or iPad. It's $350-$550, depending whether you get the newest model or its predecessor (which I have).

Some people like the WiiM streamer, which is cheaper. Haven't tried it.

 

Check out WiiM, posted on January 1, 2025 at 14:40:27
mlsstl
Audiophile

Posts: 1178
Location: Midwest
Joined: September 1, 2015
Contributor
  Since: December 16, 2024
 They have several models available from the Mini at $100 up to the Ultra (with screen & remote) for $330 and two in the middle -- the Pro and Pro Plus which are basically the same unit but the Plus has a better built-in DAC. Since you have an external DAC you like, the Pro at $150 would work great if you're OK with either optical or coax output to the DAC. Go for the Ultra if you need USB output to the DAC or really want a display screen. All of them can access the local collection on my NAS (there are several ways to set up a local collection.) I also use Qobuz with my WiiM players.

WiiM has an excellent software control program that runs on both iPhones & Androids and they constantly update that software and the firmware of their players with improvements. I've tried fancier players here and there and WiiM (and RPi before that) provide all the sound quality I need.

I've been very pleased with their gear and switched out most of my Raspberry Pi players for WiiM units since they make music selection and playing so much easier for my wife.

 

Since you are looking what have you seen so far?, posted on January 1, 2025 at 16:02:48
Jotaro
Audiophile

Posts: 250
Location: Kyushu Japan
Joined: June 6, 2024
 Interested to know what you think of the offerings you already came across.



J.

 

RE: Looking for a streamer, posted on January 2, 2025 at 10:28:14
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 48253
Location: Maidenhead Grid Square DM79
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 You don't have to spend big audiophile bucks to get a great network streamer. In fact, I use a DIY Raspberry Pi at sub $100 all-in including the board, power supply, case, SD card, etc. If you prefer a turn-key solution.....

....you might look into Bluesound and WiiM which are popular cost effective choices here in the Asylum. Possibly SMSL, Eversolo, Cambridge Audio, FiiO, too.

As already mentioned Blusound and Wiim have a large following here. They both offer various models so you'll have to do your own research on whether they do exactly what you want.

All of the brands above have models that sell for under $1000, many well under $500. NEW.

P.S. -- Personally I wouldn't buy a pricey USED 'audiophile approved' brand with rave reviews. Even with a big discount you could get stuck with an outdated oldie - but many of them look chunky and pretty if that's important to you.

Additional notes: Bluesound Node 2i has been discontinued for a while now. The Bluesound Node is current at $499 on sale for $349 and could be phased out soon for the latest Bluesound Node N132.

Good Luck!



 

RE: Looking for a streamer, posted on January 2, 2025 at 11:02:55
weedeewop
Audiophile

Posts: 236
Location: Midwest
Joined: June 22, 2013
 May I suggest a lightly used BlueSound Node 2i. Hits most of your parameters execept internal storage. The BluOs is an iPhone.Android control for the unit. Internal DAC is fine to get one started, or it can be connected to an externnal DAC if you like. Esy to use, and can stream Qobuz, and Tidal. I have used it with both services. Operating system and control interfaces continue to be updated. A fine unit at under $1,000. I do have my black unit for sale on USAM if you are interested PM me. I will also list it on the Asylum today.



 

Start cheap, posted on January 2, 2025 at 20:21:23
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 39875
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 get your feet wet first. Understand boundaries. Enjoy the journey!

Make it easy from something like Wiim. May not be an endgame but you need to start somewhere.

I vote for Abe's rec, too.

 

RE: Looking for a streamer, posted on January 3, 2025 at 08:03:43
Grinnell
Audiophile

Posts: 728
Location: Front Range
Joined: December 23, 2007
 Thanks for all the responses. Very helpful and inline with my thinking especially about buying a used high end streamer-thanks AC.

I got a Wiim Ultra- overnight Amazon. Why-price, good reviews, can use a external drive for my collection of non-mp3 music :), good UI, looks good and can be operated by IPhone, computer, or the unit itself.

Now it was very easy to setup physically and with the software. I like the ease of having built into the software a selection of stations and the ease of finding internet radio stations by genre and location ( im cheap so not wanting to pay for steaming services). Love the presets. Streaming from an external HD was easy and the music sounds just like the CDs they were copied from.

The sound is much better than through the 2012 MacBook Pro. At first the sound seemed flat but I ran the auto room correction and damn sounds as good as CDs via my DAC. I'm using Coax as the USB has the ext HD but you can run USB out and an Ext HD with a powered USB bus. Looking forward to see if it sounds better that way as many on the net have suggested.

Very happy with this, a great and inexpensive entry into streaming. Now I'm going to listen to BBC-6 radio :)

Thanks again!

 

Glad you're enjoying your WiiM Ultra, posted on January 3, 2025 at 19:46:05
mlsstl
Audiophile

Posts: 1178
Location: Midwest
Joined: September 1, 2015
Contributor
  Since: December 16, 2024
 For the price, ease of setup, ease of use, flexibility, features, and solid sound quality, the Ultra's a great product.

 

Good Choice....Enjoy!....nt, posted on January 3, 2025 at 22:20:07
Jotaro
Audiophile

Posts: 250
Location: Kyushu Japan
Joined: June 6, 2024
 .

 

Great choice!, posted on January 4, 2025 at 08:05:25
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 48253
Location: Maidenhead Grid Square DM79
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
That would have been my 'high-value' big bang for the buck choice if I didn't already have a streamer. The WiiM Ultra isn't the cheapest of the cheap but paying a little more gets you a LOT more, and it's still very reasonably priced. On paper, I prefer it over anything in the Bluesound lineup.

Enjoy!



 

If your a Tidal user.., posted on January 6, 2025 at 08:29:59
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8910
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 Tidal Connect works great with WiiM.

Enjoy.
Gsquared

 

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