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Recommendation for a streaming audio DVD player with analog output

A

aListener

New Member
I am looking for a CD, DVD, or Blue Ray player with builtin W-FI support and analog two channel stereo (RCA) output to connect and play through my existing NAD stereo system and would appreciate any recommendations for a moderately priced (< $300) unit with descent audio quality. The requirements, in the order of importance, are:

- builtin WI-FI
- analog audio out
- streaming from (generic) internet radio sources -- Spotify, etc, support would be nice but I care more for streaming from live classical music radio stations
- controlled primarily through an android tablet or smart phone app (ideally without the need to connect to a TV to set up or program !)

I have looked into many WI-FI capable streaming DVD players but often it is not clear if they provide analog output, or whether the setup & streaming can be managed without hooking up to a TV through HDMI (e.g. Yamaha BD-S677BL seems to meet the hardware requirements but it is not clear if it can be controlled via an app on the smartphone or you must connect to a TV ?)

Thanks much for any recommendations !
P.S. good quality but discontinued systems that are available from used channels (eBay or CraigsList) would also be OK.
 
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Not sure such an animal exists. Why not connect through your tv with a simple dac, something like this from Parts Express?
180-999_HR_0.jpg
 
The Oppo universal players appear to meet your requirements except for generic internet radio. They do support Pandora, Rhapsody, Tidal and Digital Concert Hall.

I don't know if Oppo's Media Control app provides access to all set-up menus, or just playback functions. (I don't use it.)

I own the BDP-105 and am happy with it, but it is out of your price range: $1,299. The BDP-103 comes closer in price: $499.

Oppo is expected to release newer UHD compatible players late 2016 or early 2017. Audio support in future models is unknown at this time.
 
The Sony UHP-H1 has those capabilities at a somewhat lower price ($350) than the Oppo. Some of the older SONY Blu Rays also still had analog outs, WiFi and SACD capability although the SACD is only through the HDMI and can probably be found in the <$100 range used. I have a couple of these models (BDP S-3500 (no WI-Fi), and been happy with them.

Note that I'm more of a Mid Fi guy and don't really hear a lot of difference among players except that my 3500 plays scratched up CD's that my S-7700 doesn't.

There's also a Pioneer Elite Blu Ray BDP-80FD for $300 that has analog outs and streaming.
 
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Some AK members talk about running Rogue Amoeba Airfoil on the PC – I don’t know if this could make generic internet radio play via the Oppo BDP-103 or BDP-105 (or the Sony UHP-H1). If anyone has tried this please let us know.

BTW, the Oppo players offer an audio processing function that supports 2.1 – i.e., crossover for a subwoofer (as well as 5.1 and 7.1 analog connections). And the BDP-105 provides an upgraded internal DAC and analog audio circuitry, a headphone amp, and can function as a DAC for other devices (optical, coax, USB). (I use it as a DAC for my HDTV.) However the BDP-103 is closer to your price goal.
 
That is quite a laundry list. I almost bought a Marantz CR611 last year, mostly the versatility plus built in "bi-amping" intrigued me.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_642MCR...55865&awat=pla&awnw=g&awcr=78533423185&awdv=c

  • 50 watts x 2 into 6 ohms (1 kHz) at 0.7% THD in stereo mode
  • 4-channel amplifier lets you bi-amp one pair of compatible speakers or drive a second pair with independent volume control for each pair
  • built-in CD player (plays standard CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs)
  • built-in Wi-Fi for music streaming over your wireless home network
  • built-in Bluetooth with NFC (Near Field Communication) pairing for wirelessly streaming audio from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers
  • Media Playback Features:
  • Apple AirPlay® for streaming music from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or computer running iTunes
  • built-in streaming from Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM Internet radio and thousands of free Internet radio stations (subscription required for some services)
  • DLNA 1.5 certified for streaming music from a compatible networked PC or network attached storage device
  • front- and rear-panel USB input for playing music from an iPod or USB memory device
  • plays high-resolution digital music files via USB storage device or a networked computer (PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution; DSD up to 2.8 MHz .dsf files)
  • gapless playback of digital music files (for WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSD only)
  • free Marantz Remote app for Apple and Android lets you control the receiver with your smartphone or tablet over Wi-Fi
  • Apple AirPlay requires a wireless home network.
Connections and Dimensions:
  • 2 optical digital inputs
  • RCA analog stereo input
  • analog stereo outputs
  • preamp output for a powered subwoofer
  • Ethernet port for wired network connection
  • 2 USB inputs (1 front, 1 back)
  • binding post speaker connectors
  • headphone minijack (3.5mm)

g642MCR611-o_angle.jpg
 
Thanks much for all the response and I appreciate the specific recommendations (Sony UHP-H1 and Marantz CR611 look promising !). The list of requirements looks a bit long but the Yamaha CD N500 unit that I currently use with my main 2-channel audio system meets all of these except for the WI-FI but since it is located in the office/listening room with Ethernet wiring, it works quite well. For the more casual listening in the living room, I would like to replace the current Bluetooth DAC (that is driven by a tablet and feeds the NAD stereo) with a self contained CD/Network player without adding to the clutter (of additional components, power supplies, cables, etc.) And there is no TV to use for controlling this setup (can use the computer monitor which has HDMI input for a one time setup if needed, but tablet/smart phone are the only devices to drive these during regular use.)

So for those who have access to the Sony UHP-H1, Yamaha BD-A1040, Yamaha BD-S677BL or similar units, is it possible to use them for listening to CD or Internet radio, primarily through a tablet (i.e. no TV ?)

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts & experiences !
 
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