Top 5 streamer devices by ASR community

[Alexanderc]

Are you OK with a PC running a music server somewhere in your house, but playback is controlled by a phone to a remote device, like a Pi?

I would be ok with that, but I don’t have a server and no plans to get one. If there was a way to control the interface remotely, it seems pretty logical to get a Mac mini and do my streaming from that. I’ve tried those “control your computer with your smartphone” apps and they are useless from listening distance.

 

[Iglo]

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry for the tangent, but I truly appreciate all the knowledge on offer here.

The rest of my family would be displeased with switching from Amazon, although I wouldn’t mind. Adding Qobuz might be a solution, although in the end paying for another service would cost more than more expensive hardware that has Amazon.

You could potentially solve this by using the Airplay/Bluetooth/UPNP streaming options on a Raspberry Pi (directly stream from you devices to the RPI). MoOde audio and others do support this out of the box.

 

[Soniclife]

I would be ok with that, but I don’t have a server and no plans to get one. If there was a way to control the interface remotely, it seems pretty logical to get a Mac mini and do my streaming from that. I’ve tried those “control your computer with your smartphone” apps and they are useless from listening distance.

I was thinking about something like roon (expensive) or LMS (free), where the server software runs on any pc in the house, and send music to an end point, all controlled by an app on a phone. Day to day use the server part is invisible.

 

[tinnitus]

A streamer needs a good App like Musiccast from Yamaha. My Streamer is a wxc50 and i use a Rpi3b+ as DSP (Camilladsp with 65k FIR tabs).
But the minidsp HD is also a nice DSP if you don't want a computer.

 

[Apesbrain]

LMS (free), where the server software runs on any pc in the house

Or on a CORE32:
https://polyvection.com/en/product/core32/

 

[somebodyelse]

LMS (free), where the server software runs on any pc in the house

Or on a Pi with piCorePlayer, or pretty much any PC hardware with daphile, or installed as a package on a number of NAS devices. Everything's still done through the web interface or one of the apps. Daphile works very nicely on used thin clients.

 

[Daverz]

A streamer needs a good App like Musiccast from Yamaha. My Streamer is a wxc50 and i use a Rpi3b+ as DSP (Camilladsp with 65k FIR tabs).
But the minidsp HD is also a nice DSP if you don't want a computer.

That sounds really interesting. Where does the RPI fit in the chain?

 

[intothedragon]

You have money? Cambridge CXN V2

You don’t have money? RPi 4 with RoopieXL

Word!

 

[tinnitus]

That sounds really interesting. Where does the RPI fit in the chain?

Either rpi or minidsp

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

Pi 3 or 4 with https://dietpi.com Its got enough audio-centric stuff in there to be useful but is also a well maintained linux distro. Some of the other specialists audio distros have some iffy security practices. These things are usually on 24/7 and connected to the internet, you don't want to become a vector.

Pi Zero W -> Topping E30 via USB works nicely with DietPi.

Or even Pi Zero W -> Micro-USB to USB-C adapter -> Apple USB-C headphone adapter -> powered monitors.

 

[Daverz]

Either rpi or minidsp

I was curious how how the RPI running CamillaDSP connected in the chain with the wxc50, what kind of connections, and how data is routed through camillaDSP.

 

[tinnitus]

I was curious how how the RPI running CamillaDSP connected in the chain with the wxc50, what kind of connections, and how data is routed through camillaDSP.

wxc50 --spdif--> hifiberry digi io+ rpi3b+

 

[intothedragon]

AppleTV, Apple AirPort Express are the only separate streaming components I use.

Do you connect everything on your amp using USB?

 

[intothedragon]

Actually I'm going to retract my previous statement.

You have money? The miniDSP SHD.

you don't have money? RPi 4 with RoopieXL installed (or Moode if you want EQ).

the miniDSP SHD seems really good. How's your experience with this device so far?

 

[BillG]

too bad that your discussion is moot since the CCA has been discontinued for years now.

People like you are the reason why I almost always to refuse to engage with most other people on Net these days. There's just so much static coming from you little, rude, antisocial peons!

You just think you're so clever, don't you? The CCA is still widely available, and widely used, globally. Also, we now have Chromecast built-in on a number of audio products.

 

[jhaider]

Do you connect everything on your amp using USB?

I don't connect any streamer source components using USB. AppleTVs connect over HDMI. AirPort Expresses have optical and analog outputs.

 

[amper42]

MacBook Pro + Audirvana = best streaming solution I have tried. Streams my AIFF/FLAC CD rips and Qobuz or Tidal all from the same 13" screen. Easy access and the ability to make custom playlists from any of these sources. It also caches internet streams so network downtime or interruption makes no difference. Stream a playlist and unplug the router after 10 minutes and the music can play for another hour or more.

 

[intothedragon]

Yamaha MusicCast as well. I think the newer devices are compatible with Amazon streaming

Is the Yamaha MusicCast streamer any good?

 

[intothedragon]

MacBook Pro + Audirvana = best streaming solution I have tried. Streams my AIFF/FLAC CD rips and Qobuz or Tidal all from the same 13" screen. Easy access and the ability to make custom playlists from any of these sources. It also caches internet streams so network downtime or interruption makes no difference. Stream a playlist and unplug the router after 10 minutes and the music can play for another hour or more.

Okay, I'm doing the same on my PC using a USB connection, the sound quality on Audirvana is excellent but I'm still running the demo version. How are you connecting everything on your amp?

 

[intothedragon]

A streamer needs a good App like Musiccast from Yamaha. My Streamer is a wxc50 and i use a Rpi3b+ as DSP (Camilladsp with 65k FIR tabs).
But the minidsp HD is also a nice DSP if you don't want a computer.

sorry, but why are you using a Rpi3b+ if you already have the wxc50?