Combined Streamer & DAC suggestions?

[StuartC]

Hello All, I'm looking for suggestions for a combined Streamer & DAC for desktop listening in the ~£500 range. I've looked at a number of options which are well regarded and/or measure well, but most are in the >£1000 range (MiniDSP SHD, Naim Uniti etc)

Anyone got any good suggestions?

 

[Turambar]

Have you considered to use a streamer like the WiiM Mini connected via optical to a DAC?.

 

[StuartC]

Not so far, what I'm looking for is a one box solution. Mainly for space purposes; real estate on my desktop is at a premium.

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

Something like this?

Audiophonics RASPDAC MINI LCD KIT Review (Streamer)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audiophonics RASPDAC MINI LCD KIT Streamer. It is on kind loan from a member and costs 165,83 € or US $193 (excluding Raspberry Pi and power supply). As the name indicates, this is a streamer built on the popular Raspberry Pi small computer...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[StuartC]

I had looked at this since it measured well, but I spend my working life dealing with SW and active control systems. I really begrudge giving up my free time to have to learn how to manage yet another controller. I'm really keen on a mainstream offering, plug & play with little effort required on my behalf.

 

[Robert C]

Not so far, what I'm looking for is a one box solution. Mainly for space purposes; real estate on my desktop is at a premium.

The WiiM mini is palm-sized. Connect it to a Topping DAC that has the features you need. Will take up no space at all https://www.tpdz.net/dac

 

[StuartC]

again a single box solution is preferred

 

[Laserjock]

Bluesound Node

 

[NiagaraPete]

Here you are. It also got a great review

BOSS2 Player

BOSS2 Player

www.allo.com

Allo Boss2 Review (Stereo Streamer)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Allo Boss2 Ethernet (and wifi) streamer/player. It was sent to me by the company for testing and costs US $149 by itself. My tested configuration included the Nirvana power supply which brings the cost up to US $209. I must say, I am very...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Stickler1]

Here you are. It also got a great review

BOSS2 Player

BOSS2 Player

www.allo.com

Allo Boss2 Review (Stereo Streamer)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Allo Boss2 Ethernet (and wifi) streamer/player. It was sent to me by the company for testing and costs US $149 by itself. My tested configuration included the Nirvana power supply which brings the cost up to US $209. I must say, I am very...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Except for that Allo has no dedicated player software. Good luck with that. You have to spend money OR time. No free lunch. WiiM crap will not play local files if you have any.

 

[NiagaraPete]

Except for that Allo has no dedicated player software. Good luck with that. You have to spend money OR time. No free lunch. WiiM crap will not play local files if you have any.

Dietpi plus others are free and kept up to date.

 

[StuartC]

I think I'm just going to wait until the whole chip shortage thing sorts itself out, and then stump up the cash for a minidsp SHD.

 

[JiiPee]

Argon Audio Solo, or Argon Audio Stream 3

https://argonaudio.com/

 

[StuartC]

Stream 3 looks interesting. And reading one of the other threads with the designer commenting, it looks like they know what they're up to.

Also, the SHD thread has put me off the minidsp...

 

[Stickler1]

I think I'm just going to wait until the whole chip shortage thing sorts itself out, and then stump up the cash for a minidsp SHD.

I have a Studio. It's a fine unit that does more things than you might use. It has a custom build of Volumio built in that is easy enough to operate quickly.

 

[Stickler1]

Argon Audio Solo, or Argon Audio Stream 3

https://argonaudio.com/

No USB-A for drive play. No Qobuz. No needy.

 

[Prana Ferox]

Having looked for this before I'm going to say if you want one box, get a Raspberry Pi-like device or miniPC and then a small or even dongle DAC and then put them in one box. But really, two small boxes on top of each other aren't going to eat more room. Actual one-box solutions are generally a big compromise on one or both parts.

 

[Adaboy4z]

A mini pc is a great idea. Small enough to fit in hand and behind a monitor. Picked up a Beelink SER5 on Amazon on sale.

 

[WillBrink]

Have you looked at Arylic? Small, reasonably priced, range of options and $, and very compact:

Arylic® - Best Wireless Home Stereo Amplifier, Preamp, DIY Audio Kits.

Arylic® specializes in the development and sale of wireless home stereo amplifier, preamp, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth amplifier, speaker receiver, speakers, DIY audio kits. Create multi-room audio system with our smart amp via Wi-Fi and Airplay. Enjoy high-quality music everywhere in your home.

www.arylic.com

I'm using the S50 Pro+ in my budget system currently.

 

[Stickler1]

Have you looked at Arylic? Small, reasonably priced, range of options and $, and very compact:

Arylic® - Best Wireless Home Stereo Amplifier, Preamp, DIY Audio Kits.

Arylic® specializes in the development and sale of wireless home stereo amplifier, preamp, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth amplifier, speaker receiver, speakers, DIY audio kits. Create multi-room audio system with our smart amp via Wi-Fi and Airplay. Enjoy high-quality music everywhere in your home.

www.arylic.com

I'm using the S50 Pro+ in my budget system currently.