A secondary amp / streamer for casual listening

[TankPopper]

Hi all,

After trying my luck with soundbars and a Sonos amp, its time for a different approach.

I have a HiFi system that I love, which I prefer not to turn on for casual listening, TV or movies (tubes...).

So for casual use, I want to add a second, more simplified source and amplification. In the end, both system will use the same speakers through a speaker selector (Luxman as-55 probably).

To make matters a bit more challenging - I prefer the streamer portion to also work for both systems. So when I'm using my HiFi system the streamer will work through my DAC.

And this is the hard part - finding a network amplifier with a digital output! I went over the usual suspects for this arrangement (Bluesound Powernode and the such) but couldnt find one with a digital output.

Can anyone recommend such a device? a network amplifier with a good streamer portion and digital output?

If I wont find one ill probably use my current solution (a NUC) and just an amp with HDMI arc, but i prefer to move away from that. Im quite fed up with the HTPC setup and lack of control.

Thanks!
Tank out.

 

[Timcognito]

Add Roon to your NUC and get DSP for the HT and plenty of choices for multi-room or portable endpoint speakers and systems. Wait until you try Roon, it's the ultimate music, music information and selection controller with slick magazine format.

 

[TankPopper]

Add Roon to your NUC and get DSP for the HT and plenty of choices for multi-room or portable endpoint speakers and systems. Wait until you try Roon, it's the ultimate music, music information and selection controller with slick magazine format.

That's a reasonable idea, but allow me to make matters a little harder - I don't have locally stored music. I only use Tidal and spotify (my wife). I also have several Sonos speakers that I want to control. Is roon still the best choice or is there another option?

As for the amp - if a streaming portion is not needed than a whole world of options opens up. Ill have to do a little more digging on that.

Thanks!

 

[Timcognito]

For hardware option there WiiM streamers that have multi-room capabilities no speakers but as little as $80/room. Go to the Review Index (upper left) select electronics type Wiim in the searchbox and read. As you mentioned Sonos this is a simple and good sounding option. No Brainer

Sonos Five Smart Speaker Review

This is a review, listening tests, and detailed measurements of the SONOS Five streaming wired/wireless smart multi-room speaker. It was kindly drop shipped by a member and costs US $549. The Five is solidly built and feels rather substantial in hand. Packaging is always is apple-like...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[kemmler3D]

I was going to say the WiiM Amp works, but it's the only WiiM unit without optical out. But tend to agree that WiiM is the real alternative to Sonos and even the cheapest units have digital out. The go-to budget streamer/amp option for the savvy and sensible these days is a WiiM Mini (or Pro) hooked to a Fosi V3 amp. It's not absolute TOTL performance but it very much gets the job done.

 

[early rejecter]

Since you already have some Sonos speakers, have you considered the Sonos Port paired with a small amp like the aforementioned V3? The Port has both analog and digital output (as does the Connect, the Port’s predecessor, which can often be found secondhand for around $100 USD). I use Sonos speakers in the kitchen, bedrooms, etc, and have Connects attached to my primary listening systems for those times when I want to sync everything up. It might not measure as well as some other streamers, but the easy syncing with the speakers in the other rooms makes it a worthwhile trade off.

 

[TankPopper]

Im fine with spending a little more for quality. my budget is around 1000$, but it obviously needs to make sense.

Since you already have some Sonos speakers, have you considered the Sonos Port paired with a small amp like the aforementioned V3? The Port has both analog and digital output (as does the Connect, the Port’s predecessor, which can often be found secondhand for around $100 USD). I use Sonos speakers in the kitchen, bedrooms, etc, and have Connects attached to my primary listening systems for those times when I want to sync everything up. It might not measure as well as some other streamers, but the easy syncing with the speakers in the other rooms makes it a worthwhile trade off.

That was my starting point, until I found out that the port is not bit-perfect and resamples everything. This would only be a small problem, but reports on sound quality are far from flattering. It also lacks HDMI arc (but its a minor problem).

So now im on the fence

1. Amp (any amp for the matter) + old Sonos connect, or...
2. Amp with HDMI ARC and a software solution to tie everything together (HTPC, other Sonos speakers, Spotify, Tidal)

And the wild card - get an AV receiver and be HT ready if go wild in the future.

 

[RayDunzl]

I use a pair af JBL LSR 308 as my econobox daily drivers.

 

[TankPopper]

It seems like USB out for the Wiim amp is in their roadmap:

USB output

Wonder if it be possible to add usb output in a future model?

forum.wiimhome.com

So the wiim amp might be my safest bet at this point.

 

[TankPopper]

Hi all,

This is a follow-up thread to my questions here:

A secondary amp / streamer for casual listening

Hi all, After trying my luck with soundbars and a Sonos amp, its time for a different approach. I have a HiFi system that I love, which I prefer not to turn on for casual listening, TV or movies (tubes...). So for casual use, I want to add a second, more simplified source and amplification...

www.audiosciencereview.com

To make a long story short:

• I want a simple source/amplification set up to connect to my HiFi speakers for casual listening / TV / Movies.
• A loudspeaker switch will control which amplification is connected ("casual" or "HiFi).
• I prefer to use the same streaming source for everything.

After reading the answers, and further research, it seems I have two possibilities:

1. Wiim Amp, which will soon have USB out. The Wiim will work either as a network player, or steamer (to my DAC via USB)
2. Streamer (Wiim or Nvidia shield) + AVR. This option is more expensive, but allows for more flexibility later on if I choose to add a center channel or a full blown Home Theater setup.

I know these two option a vastly different, and I'm having a hard time making a decision here. is there a descent AVR out there for around 1.5K with HDMI arc and ok performance for music?

And if I opt for the AVR option - should i go with a music streamer and the onboard smart tv options for video, or give the NVIDIA shield a go to cover both?

Thanks!
Tank out

Edit : merged into existing thread by mods.