Best no DAC streamer?

[Azagoth]

Hello all. Im really curious about how much you really need to spend, diminishing returns, for a high quality streamer/audio if you dont need a DAC. I have an Arcam AV41 and am extremely happy with the sound but would like a streamer to go with it. I have been told I dont need anything more than a Wiim Ultra or Pro and other say an Eversolo T8( just an example) will have better sound due to Femtosexond clocks and better components. Trying to find out what's true before buying something. Would really appreciate any input because I am new to streamers and really dont know.

 

[kyuu]

other say an Eversolo T8( just an example) will have better sound due to Femtosexond clocks and better components.

That's nonsense. A streamer is just passing bits along. You don't need "femtosecond clocks" or "better components".

If you're not concerned about the DAC that presumably means you'll be using a digital connection such as SPDIF (as by definition it will be doing digital audio and in order to pass anything out an analog connection it would have to use a DAC). In that case, you would be quite fine with just a Wiim Mini or Wiim Pro. Main benefit of the Wiim Pro Plus or Wiim Ultra is the better DAC.

 

[john61ct]

Going without a DAC will not save money, it would be so low volume that's what makes more difference.

Wiim Ultra has so many more features you might want in future, if that's not pricey for you. Except AirPlay support, which the Mini supports.

Your choice of which digital connection you want to use, should not be any audible difference.

 

[antcollinet]

how much you really need to spend, diminishing returns, for a high quality streamer/audio if you dont need a DAC.

If you are using an external DAC then the Wiim Mini will be as good audibly as any other streamer at any price. From a functional and UI point of view - better than most if you are happy for your UI to be on your phone.

it would be so low volume that's what makes more difference.

I admit to not understanding what you are saying here.

 

[staticV3]

I have been told I dont need anything more than a Wiim Ultra or Pro and other say an Eversolo T8( just an example) will have better sound due to Femtosexond clocks and better components. Trying to find out what's true before buying something.

The WiiM Mini is bit-exact:

Lossless Listening Arrives on Spotify Premium

It sounds great to me. Of course their previous 320kbps also sounded great too. I prefer to use Spotify over other services because their app is the best and their connect feature works with every device I have. I agree. As we have a family sub, with the other members using Spotify (various...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Beave]

I admit to not understanding what you are saying here.

I think he was saying that streamers without DACs are built in lower volumes, ie, far fewer built, so cost per unit isn't as good as streamers with built-in DACs, which are built in greater numbers.

 

[antcollinet]

I think he was saying that streamers without DACs are built in lower volumes, ie, far fewer built, so cost per unit isn't as good as streamers with built-in DACs, which are built in greater numbers.

Of course - I was being dumbass. Saw volume, thought sound level.

 

[Beave]

Of course - I was being dumbass. Saw volume, thought sound level.

I did too, so does that mean we're both dumbasses - or that the sentence was unclear? I'm blaming the sentence, darn it!

 

[Ultrasonic]

I'd probably just use the Wiim in your position but a Holo Audio Red is the digital streamer with the best measured performance I recall seeing though:

Holo RED Streamer/DDC Measurements - GoldenSound

The Holo RED is a streamer and DDC which currently offers the lowest jitter and some of the lowest noise of any device I've tested!

goldensound.audio

Note that streaming provider support and the UI are big factors that will affect day to day use as well though.

 

[antcollinet]

I did too, so does that mean we're both dumbasses - or that the sentence was unclear? I'm blaming the sentence, darn it!

Happy to go with your interpretation if it means I can feel more intelligent than I really am

 

[anonyless]

there is no "best". it all depends what do you want to do and stream with the streamer -
do you need a remote control (no RC for the mini) ? do you want a display? what streaming services do you plan to use?

 

[john61ct]

I admit to not understanding what you are saying here.

When a product is designed with a niche feature list the price needs to go up, compared to those that sell quickly by the container load.

Thus, leaving out a DAC does not make a streamer cheaper.

 

[Sernyl]

RPi
Either alone ...or sometimes hidden in an audiophile box !
IMHO, the differences are in the softwares.

 

[Ruediger]

Hello all. Im really curious about how much you really need to spend, diminishing returns, for a high quality streamer/audio if you dont need a DAC.

A 100 for a WiiM Mini!

If you just go with optical to the next box of your chosing. You get a superb streamer, app, etc.

But if you like the looks of the puck is up to you. I wouldn't mind, probably put it somewhere in the back.

 

[Bland_username42069]

A wiim mini will do it or a raspberry pi

 

[somebodyelse]

The 'best' streamer is the one that supports all the functionality you want. Since your AV41 has some streaming capability built in you'll have to be more specific about what you're looking for that you can't do already. The AV41 also includes Dirac Live (and an extra cost option for Bass Control) so you don't need EQ capabilities in the streamer. Similarly it supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, so you don't need those in a separate streamer either.

 

[Azagoth]

That's nonsense. A streamer is just passing bits along. You don't need "femtosecond clocks" or "better components".

If you're not concerned about the DAC that presumably means you'll be using a digital connection such as SPDIF (as by definition it will be doing digital audio and in order to pass anything out an analog connection it would have to use a DAC). In that case, you would be quite fine with just a Wiim Mini or Wiim Pro. Main benefit of the Wiim Pro Plus or Wiim Ultra is the better DAC.

Thats what I

That's nonsense. A streamer is just passing bits along. You don't need "femtosecond clocks" or "better components".

If you're not concerned about the DAC that presumably means you'll be using a digital connection such as SPDIF (as by definition it will be doing digital audio and in order to pass anything out an analog connection it would have to use a DAC). In that case, you would be quite fine with just a Wiim Mini or Wiim Pro. Main benefit of the Wiim Pro Plus or Wiim Ultra is the better DAC.

Thats what I was wondering. I see lots of reviewers talking about "transports" and sound quality because of clocks, noise floor, etc but on most forums I people saying its all nonsense. Why pay $2000 for a streamer rather than a couple hundred for the same result.

 

[Purité Audio]

If you don’t have/refuse to learn any technical knowledge it is easy to be gulled.
Keith

 

[Multicore]

WiiM Mini optical output works fine.

 

[Azagoth]

there is no "best". it all depends what do you want to do and stream with the streamer -
do you need a remote control (no RC for the mini) ? do you want a display? what streaming services do you plan to use?

Mainly I just want to stream from Qobuz and occasionally Amazon Music. I do like the displays that show the album artwork and Im fine with no remote as long as I can use my phone.