Looking for DAC 2.1 amp with AirPlay or multiple optical inputs

[mangochutney]

Hi lovely people of ASR. I've been lurking around the site unregistered for a while now, trying to figure out my living room audio situation but perusing various threads and using countless search terms didn't yield a good answer, yet. So…

I'm looking for a DAC + 2.1 amp combo, potentially with some smart features to replace my current setup.

Budget is up to € 1,200.—

Current setup​

• Yamaha Pianocraft E400 receiver (yes, it's old and yes it still works beautifully)
• 2 Yamaha NX-E400 speakers (impedance: 6 Ohms, nominal input power: 60 W, maximal input power: 110 W)
• Yamaha YST-FSW150 subwoofer (has a "system connector" or what appears to be now called "trigger input")
• LG OLED TV (available outputs: Line, optical, eARC/ARC), currently connected to the receiver via line-to-RCA
• Airport Express 1st generation for AirPlay, connected to receiver via line-to-RCA

Ideal setup​

DAC/2.1 amp with the following qualities:

• eARC/ARC input and/or optical input
• One or more analog inputs (3.5mm or RCA)
• AirPlay 2 (It's ok if it also supports Google Chromecast Audio but I don't need any streaming service integration or bluetooth.)
• Enough oomph to power the Yamaha speakers
• Sub out and potentially also a trigger output
• Remote control
• Configuration without a companion smartphone app (low tech)

Perfectly acceptable setup​

DAC/2.1 amp with the following qualities:

• 1 eARC/ARC input + 1 optical input or 2 optical inputs
• One or more analog inputs (3.5mm or RCA)
• Enough oomph to power the Yamaha speakers
• Sub out and potentially also a trigger output
• Remote control
• Configuration without a companion smartphone app (low tech)

Sound​

I want good sound within reason. The Pianocraft is a competent system, particularly with the subwoofer in the mix. If there are major difference in tuning between various DACs, I prefer cleaner, more neutral base output with good separation, because I'll probably be able to dial in as much bass as I need to and also otherwise adjust the sound.

My other frequently used setups are a Denon Home 350 in my office and various iOS and macOS devices connected to a lightning or USB-C 3.5mm dongle connected to an iFi IE Match connected to a pair of Campfire Audio Andromeda.

 

[staticV3]

Ideal setup​

DAC/2.1 amp with the following qualities:

• eARC/ARC input and/or optical input
• One or more analog inputs (3.5mm or RCA)
• AirPlay 2 (It's ok if it also supports Google Chromecast Audio but I don't need any streaming service integration or bluetooth.)
• Enough oomph to power the Yamaha speakers
• Sub out and potentially also a trigger output
• Remote control
• Configuration without a companion smartphone app (low tech)

The WiiM Amp has:
-eARC input
-Analog input
-AirPlay 2
-Enough oomph to power the Yamaha speakers
-Remote control

It does not have:
-Trigger out
-Configuration without a companion App

Nonetheless, it is what I would buy.

 

[mangochutney]

The WiiM Amp has:
-eARC input
-Analog input
-AirPlay 2
-Enough oomph to power the Yamaha speakers
-Remote control

It does not have:
-Trigger out
-Configuration without a companion App

Nonetheless, it is what I would buy.

Thanks for this vote. I'll dive deeper into the WiiM Amp thread to find out more. I checked their website but wasn't taken by the app-based config.