No frills streamer recommendations?
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I was looking at their AXN10 as a potential option. Slightly newer DAC in that one. Really competitive price point. Can get them refurbed for $350
Connecting a TV and a streamer to my hifi system is the main reason I prefer an external DAC - it allows connection to multiple source devices - via USB / coaxial S/PDIF / optical S/PDIF.
But be careful about using a TV as a music streaming source - the internal signal processing in a TV is often locked to 48kHz, because that's the native sample rate of digital broadcasting, and DVD audio, and Blu-ray audio. Also many HDMI chipsets are locked to 48kHz.
That means that 44.1kHz audio streams (which are the majority) will be sample rate converted to 48kHz before output.
No Tidal-Connect. That means you must either use Cambridge Audio's proprietary app to play Tidal, or the native Tidal app via (kludgey) AirPlay. Some people don't mind, but it's a deal-breaker for me.
If the external DAC option is what you eventually prefer, I will mention my preferred DAC - Topping E30 II (full version, or lite). It's been something of a benchmark for an entry level DAC ... along with the SMSL SU-1. (I avoid the latter because of its butt-ugly looks!) You may consider both of these DACs to be direct equivalents of the inbuilt DAC in the WiiM Pro Plus.
Full disclosure: I just ordered an E30II-lite 2 days ago. I've been waiting 3 1/2 years for the E30 to go on runout sale, and it hasn't. That's an indication of how well it's regarded.
WiiM Pro US$150 (no need to get the "Plus" when using an external DAC)
Topping E30 II US$150 (or $100 for the "lite")
TOTAL: US$300
Full disclosure: I just ordered an E30II-lite 2 days ago. I've been waiting 3 1/2 years for the E30 to go on runout sale, and it hasn't. That's an indication of how well it's regarded.
WiiM Pro US$150 (no need to get the "Plus" when using an external DAC)
Topping E30 II US$150 (or $100 for the "lite")
TOTAL: US$300
Couldn't find any info on my TV in particular. It's a Hisense U8 2024. All I know is it's got eArc, Dolby atmos, DTS-X, and digital optical audio out as well as USB out. Supposedly HDMI ports 3 and 4 can be used as outputs as well
I suspect that eARC/HDMI will output at 48kHz, but there's a fair chance that USB out may support native 44.1kHz.
OK, so buy the DAC first - of course I recommend the E30 II, but sure, get a DacMagic 200M if that's your preference. Importantly both options will display the incoming sample rate - if you see 44.1k, that's great, the audio is (likely) unmolested, and you have a good chance of optimal audio quality. Then there's no need to buy the WiiM. You are fully set up for Tidal.
But if all forms of output from the TV display only 48k on the DAC display, then I think it's worthwhile buying the WiiM Pro as source device.
Makes total sense to me. I'll look into the DAC first. Wouldn't hurt having one on hand even if I need the WiiM at the end of the day. Thank you for the advice you've been super helpful!
I have two Bluesound Nodes: the Anniversary X Edition in silver and the one year newer N132 (it's the same as the X, just not available in silver). I'm running Tidal through an old cell phone using the Bluesound app and it is easy to use. A budy has the more expensive "Icon" model and he loves it.
www.bluesound.com
NODE - Performance Music Streamer
There's nothing like a BLUESOUND NODE, the original hi-res multiroom wireless streamer.
www.bluesound.com
Yes definitely.
Another point, especially since you are connecting to TVs - if you wish for a DAC with HDMI/ARC input, the most affordable I'm aware of is the SMSL DO100 Pro at US$220.
dietz31684
Active Member
I understand the differences with the DAC between the pro and pro plus, but strictly from a remote standpoint: do I need the remote if Im connecting to a receiver/preamp?
I suspect no, but want to double check.
I suspect no, but want to double check.
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Gigantic
A big, big love
I don't think a remote is necessary in any case- your smartphone makes a remote redundant.
dietz31684
Active Member
Thanks Gigantic!
Bill Ferris
Lunatic Member
FWIW, I`ve had excellent SQ, issue free use of the original Pro-ject S2 Digital DAC for over 8 yrs. via USB connected to my A/V rack`s 24/7/365 powered laptop, both the original 2009 purchased Win 10 OS one, and now connected to the Win 11 music filled replacement laptop.
I don`t internet music stream, but instead prefer to WAV. rip all my well over 1000 CDs and purchased high res down loaded albums that are stored in the laptop`s 1 Terabyte SSD, external large capacity external USB SSD, and 1 Terabyte flash drives for multiple music file redundancy safety backup.
The Pro-ject S2 Digital DAC`s included IR remote control allows not only full control of the DACs functions, but also the laptop`s music players common playback functions, which I greatly appreciate, as I can bump, pause, forward/back the tracks the player is playing, which in my desired configuration is shuffle & repeat all player settings, which with my currently over 15k and still growing multi-genre (Bach to B.O.C.) music tracks, thus allowing me total control of my selected digital music quality, as I ripped the original CD source losslessly, plus the internet delivery connection itself, or streamer service can fail for whatever reason, has zero effect on my all day playing digital music that I enjoy immensely .
If my current Pro-ject S2 ever bites the bullet, I would without hesitation purchase the recently released upgraded version.
For the sake of clarity, and for forum members whose first language is not English, I'm relatively certain that's a malaphor.
What Bill Ferris meant is that if the Pro-Ject S2 ever bites the dust.
If such a thing was to happen, then Bill, as owner, might choose to bite the bullet and spend money on a replacement unit.
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Or, perhaps he saw the price of the new Pro-Ject streamer, after tariffs and inflation, and decided it would be better to bite the bullet
It could go either way really
I run Audirvana Studio on a dedicated MacBook Pro and I ran the original Audirvana headlessly on a Mini for a few years. Apple doesn’t allow full hog mode access anymore, but Audirvana gets close using all the processing priority allowed. Hog mode adjacent I guess. The new phone remote app is excellent. Audirvana supports internet radio, Tidal and Qobuz, AU plugins and your local library management. The software does the first MQA unfolding only, so that might not float your boat, but hi-res DSD is amazing. I switched to Qobuz anyway. I use Schiit Bifrost 4490 and Uber DACs connected via USB. Personally I don’t see the need for a streamer in my main and 2nd system. I do have a WiiM Amp in the bedroom driving NHT SuperTwo’s and it has enough power to open them up.
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