Streamer Suggestion

[vvvyper]

Dear Friends,

I have currently a PC with EMU 1212m PCIe in it, going to a DENON 1909 and then to Mordaunt SHort 908i.

DENON 1909 will be shortly replaced by an integrated, maybe CXA81.

Anyway, I would like to replace the PC solution with a streamer. And here I ask for your help.

Is there any solution below 800 usd/eur I could consider that is at least same DAC quality as my EMU 1212m?

I see many suggest also streamer+minisdp flex.

I would like having possibility to scroll songs by phone and hopefully to see list and played on the TV (<-- I see this is not easy for example with Wiim)

Many thanks for any suggestions

 

[staticV3]

Hi @vvvyper! Welcome to ASR.

The WiiM Pro Plus has a fully transparent DAC inside, it won't get any better:

WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Pro Plus streamer, DAC and preamplifier with Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $219. While the case is plastic, it still "looks the part" as the Brits would say relative to other more famous brands of...

www.audiosciencereview.com

If you want balanced Line output built-in, then the Eversolo DMP-A6 would be appropriate:

Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer and balanced DAC. It was sent to me by the company. I don't have the price but see it on sale for US $850. The DMP-A6 design is absolutely gorgeous. A large, high contrast LCD allows it to show realistic visualizations...

www.audiosciencereview.com

A middle ground without balanced output, but with a display:

WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Ultra network streamer, DAC, phono stage and preamplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $329. Physical attribute are modern and attractive enough. Alas, I can't say the same thing about the graphical interface. Icons seem...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Sound quality is as transparent as the others.

 

[vvvyper]

Hi @vvvyper! Welcome to ASR.

The WiiM Pro Plus has a fully transparent DAC inside, it won't get any better:

WiiM Pro Plus Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Pro Plus streamer, DAC and preamplifier with Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $219. While the case is plastic, it still "looks the part" as the Brits would say relative to other more famous brands of...

www.audiosciencereview.com

If you want balanced Line output built-in, then the Eversolo DMP-A6 would be appropriate:

Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer and balanced DAC. It was sent to me by the company. I don't have the price but see it on sale for US $850. The DMP-A6 design is absolutely gorgeous. A large, high contrast LCD allows it to show realistic visualizations...

www.audiosciencereview.com

A middle ground without balanced output, but with a display:

WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Ultra network streamer, DAC, phono stage and preamplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $329. Physical attribute are modern and attractive enough. Alas, I can't say the same thing about the graphical interface. Icons seem...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Sound quality is as transparent as the others.

Hi static! Many many thanks for quick feedback!

I don't understand well when you write "transparent"... maybe I am missing something since I'm quite new!

In order ot get a better sound quality, I have still doubts if using the DAC unit of the streamer or the one of the integrated.

Let's say I use the one of the streamer and I go to the final stage of the amplifier.

So, the options you mention are still good? Should the DAC give a signature anyway?

 

[staticV3]

I don't understand well when you write "transparent"... maybe I am missing something since I'm quite new!

Transparent in this context means that the DACs in question have ruler-flat frequency response and such low noise and distortion, that they'll essentially output audio tracks one-to-one, without adding or subtracting anything.

So, the options you mention are still good? Should the DAC give a signature anyway?

No signature.

 

[vvvyper]

Ok, I just had a look on the reviews, and DACs seems to be excellent... many thanks!

Easy to have then TIDAL or any player on the TV screen?

And regarding adjusting tehn equalization to my like, all three are good?

 

[staticV3]

Easy to have then TIDAL or any player on the TV screen?

Neither one of these three streamers will output video to your TV.

All of them can stream Tidal.

And regarding adjusting tehn equalization to my like, all three are good?

The two WiiMs make this easier as they're designed to be operated from your phone via the WiiM Home App.

There's also built-in room correction that utilizes the iPhone's internal microphone, or you can use an external microphone (iOS+Android).

 

[RosalieTheDog]

If you'd like Tidal on your TV screen: which TV do you have? You can install the Tidal Android app on android based TVs and simply connect your TV to your DAC/Amplifier via optical output. This way you simply use your TV as 'streamer'. Only 'downside' is that you will deal with android resampling to 48 khz.

 

[Power Pop 23]

I don't know how you will using a CXA 81 integrated amplifier. A WiiM Amp or WiiM Amp Pro may be an option if they offer the inputs and output power you require.

 

[Count Arthur]

With any of these streamers that have an android app, you could possibly broadcast/mirror the phone screen to the TV.

How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Use your Android or iPhone to display media on the big screen There are many ways to connect your phone to your TV. You can mirror your Android or iPhone's screen to your TV, cast video from specific apps, connect with an HDMI adapter, and...

www.wikihow.com

I've never done it and I don't know how good an experience it might be.

 

[JeremyFife]

This does not answer your question at all - sorry - but you can run the WiiM App on a tablet instead of (or as well as) your phone, iOS or Android, and get a bigger screen view that way ...

 

[vvvyper]

Many Many thanks to all you that answered

Anyway, I have still a little doubt in my head. If the DAC insider Wiim or Eversolo is "good enough", why I shoul ever consider a minidsp Flex for example, or a Topping, or any 3000 usd DAC? IF - again, IF - there is a reason

 

[staticV3]

If the DAC insider Wiim or Eversolo is "good enough", why I shoul ever consider a minidsp Flex for example, or a Topping, or any 3000 usd DAC? IF - again, IF - there is a reason

You should consider those if you value their features, aesthetics, build quality etc.

Baseline sound quality does not get any better.