USB transpor streamer under 1000$

[Tooom]

Hello everybody,
I am looking for a transport streamer to facilitate my music experience. I can find no specific analysis or comparisons on the parameters that are guiding my choice for the new device in my hifi chain:

• Digital streamer through the USB output to a dedicated DAC – bitperfect signal – (I am not interested in the DAC functions of the streamer)
• Tidal connect (no additional software other than Tidal in the listening experience)
• Price under 1000$ (or very close)

Is this a common need?

I considered:

• Wiim Ultra (the wow effect of the price here is inviting)
• Bluesound Node (2024)
• Eversolo DMP-A6
• Ifi Zen Stream (I've read some negative reviews about app interactions here)

Are there significant differences in the quality of USB digital output or are the products equivalent?
(The Wiim wins hands down in that case!)

 

[somebodyelse]

They should all be able to pass the signal to the DAC unaltered, if that's all you want them to do. You could do it with a Raspberry Pi and licensed Volumio (to get the Tidal Connect support). There should be no difference between them for this, apart from maybe a difference in ground-related noise issues that are unpredictable and system dependent - and even this could be fixed with an inexpensive USB isolator like the DSD Tech SH-G01L.

The usual differentiators for streamers are feature set (inputs, outputs, streaming service compatibility, EQ etc.), whether you like or hate their app, cosmetics and expectations of manufacturer long term software support. Excluding internal DAC quality since you won't be using that.

 

[amper42]

Hello everybody,
I am looking for a transport streamer to facilitate my music experience. I can find no specific analysis or comparisons on the parameters that are guiding my choice for the new device in my hifi chain:

• Digital streamer through the USB output to a dedicated DAC – bitperfect signal – (I am not interested in the DAC functions of the streamer

Wiim mini with optical out will do a great job if you already have a favorite DAC. It's so simple to setup and works well.
No need to pay more than $75 today.

If you absolutely need USB, another option is Wiim Ultra for $250 more.

https://www.amazon.com/WiiM-Mini-Multiroom-Preamplifier-Assistants/dp/B09HC5GRKY

My favorite option for USB connection is a Raspberry Pi 4 with Moode software. You also need a 32gb card and a power adapter. I have 3 Moode RPI4 setups and love them. They work absolutely great with DLNA connections.

https://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Model-2019-Quad-Bluetooth/dp/B07TC2BK1X

or

https://www.amazon.com/CanaKit-Raspberry-4GB-Starter-Kit/dp/B07V5JTMV9

 

[Timcognito]

NODE ICON - Reference Music Streamer

The NODE ICON is a flagship wireless music streamer, designed for the audio obsessed. With its sleek aluminum chassis, and vibrant 5” full-color display, it sets a new benchmark for wireless music streamers.

www.bluesound.com

Dirac room correction in a software update. No experience with it but like the the BluOS. FYI

 

[Tooom]

They should all be able to pass the signal to the DAC unaltered, if that's all you want them to do. You could do it with a Raspberry Pi and licensed Volumio (to get the Tidal Connect support). There should be no difference between them for this, apart from maybe a difference in ground-related noise issues that are unpredictable and system dependent - and even this could be fixed with an inexpensive USB isolator like the DSD Tech SH-G01L.

The usual differentiators for streamers are feature set (inputs, outputs, streaming service compatibility, EQ etc.), whether you like or hate their app, cosmetics and expectations of manufacturer long term software support. Excluding internal DAC quality since you won't be using that.

Thx! I am aware of the Raspberry option but i have some doubts it is really convenient.
Raspberry set + DSD Tech SH-G01L + Volumio Plus 2 years and a few months (for Tidal connect) = Wiim Ultra price (in Europe)
Is the Raspberry P usb output a better performer then the others devices?

If you absolutely need USB, another option is Wiim Ultra for $250 more.

Thx again ! Unfortunately yes
Some DACs have this bus as a preferred input (i.e. Topping D90) and in my second system I have an amp with USB as the only digital input.

So there is no actual difference between devices on USB output?

 

[amper42]

Thx! I am aware of the Raspberry option but i have some doubts it is really convenient.
Raspberry set + DSD Tech SH-G01L + Volumio Plus 2 years and a few months (for Tidal connect) = Wiim Ultra price (in Europe)
Is the Raspberry P usb output a better performer then the others devices?



Thx again ! Unfortunately yes
Some DACs have this bus as a preferred input (i.e. Topping D90) and in my second system I have an amp with USB as the only digital input.

So there is no actual difference between devices on USB output?

I don't hear any difference between USB on RPI4 feeding RME ADI-2 DAC FS or Wiim mini to RME ADI-2 DAC FS Optical port.

They both support Qobuz up to 192Khz streams. It's just a music signal. The RME ADI-2 DAC FS handles the rest. If I want higher resolution music files to play like 352K HD Tracks music I plug directly into the ADI-2 with the MacBook Pro and skip the wifi RPI4.

 

[Zwepp]

Thx! I am aware of the Raspberry option but i have some doubts it is really convenient.
Raspberry set + DSD Tech SH-G01L + Volumio Plus 2 years and a few months (for Tidal connect) = Wiim Ultra price (in Europe)
Is the Raspberry P usb output a better performer then the others devices?



Thx again ! Unfortunately yes
Some DACs have this bus as a preferred input (i.e. Topping D90) and in my second system I have an amp with USB as the only digital input.

So there is no actual difference between devices on USB output?

To answer your question directly without suggesting unwanted alternatives. Yes, all USB outputs from the aforementioned products will perform equal. The Wiim Ultra is a very compelling package.

 

[Tooom]

To answer your question directly without suggesting unwanted alternatives. Yes, all USB outputs from the aforementioned products will perform equal. The Wiim Ultra is a very compelling package.

Thx @Zwepp! Now i have a clearer idea. I had doubts some USB outputs could have different performance.
That being said, Would you suggest other alternatives?

 

[Zwepp]

Thx @Zwepp! Now i have a clearer idea. I had doubts some USB outputs could have different performance.
That being said, Would you suggest other alternatives?

Sub $ 1000,- there are a lot of streamers available, but since you're specific about the USB output, the Wiim Ultra is very compelling. I don't know why you want to use an external DAC and I won't try to convince to do otherwise, just know that you won't gain any audible performance from it (even of you think you do, lol). The Wiim Ultra is already transparent over its analog outputs. Now, if you'd like to have a bigger screen, the Eversolo DMP-A6 is a nice upgrade for that specific reason, but you pay a hefty premium for it.

 

[Tooom]

Sub $ 1000,- there are a lot of streamers available, but since you're specific about the USB output, the Wiim Ultra is very compelling. I don't know why you want to use an external DAC and I won't try to convince to do otherwise, just know that you won't gain any audible performance from it (even of you think you do, lol). The Wiim Ultra is already transparent over its analog outputs. Now, if you'd like to have a bigger screen, the Eversolo DMP-A6 is a nice upgrade for that specific reason, but you pay a hefty premium for it.

I see. Thx, I appreciate your explanation.

This seems to meet my need, that is to implement a wireless controll without loosing quality in my main system: Audionote Soro PP (very analogue amp with no remote) + Topping D90 mqa (first generation with Ak4499).
I listen mostly Tidal in the last years, only occasionally cd and vinyls.
I am happy with the D90 at the moment and I also connected my cd transport to it by Toslink
Anyway I miss the comfort of using my phone from the sofa to choose the music i love easily, without going back to the computer every time I need it.
Moreover my second system amp (Pioneer A-A9-J) has a USB input as the one and only digital input.
A USB streamer transport seemed the solution

The Ifi Zen stream was the first of this kind i saw around, but I've read a lot of reviews about slow and frustrating interactions. Maybe I am biased on it.

I have a bonus on amazon to spend now so I am ready to go for it and I was considering the best purchase to do.

 

[DWPress]

If you're using your own DAC and don't need a useless tiny little screen the WiiM Pro is also a great choice for even less money. Same quality digital output to your own DAC of choice along with all the other bonuses WiiM keeps dishing out in FW updates for the entire line of devices (except the mini). I have one in the house system and think their app quality and intuitiveness is superb.

 

[somebodyelse]

Thx! I am aware of the Raspberry option but i have some doubts it is really convenient.

That's very much dependent on your experience and expectations. Some are fine with it, while others wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. If it's not for you then don't worry.

Raspberry set + DSD Tech SH-G01L + Volumio Plus 2 years and a few months (for Tidal connect) = Wiim Ultra price (in Europe)
Is the Raspberry P usb output a better performer then the others devices?

There should be no difference in performance with any of them on the USB output, beyond the features they offer. The potential for ground related noise is a system issue rather than one specific to any of them. The isolator might be needed by any of them.

 

[Timcognito]

There are many great choices. A dedicated <$100 25 cm Android tablet is is better than the tiny screen on the device, plus you can surf the internet while listening. Think and research about the UI, Roon, BluOS, WiiM, Eversolo, Volmino and others. I use Roon and BluOS, am generally happy with both and little or no experience with others. BTW Qobuz says they launching a true connect feature soon this year. Integrating streaming, NAS, and internet radio on one portable dashboard is very handy and integrated lifetime, curated and updated UI platform is essential.

 

[Tooom]

There are many great choices. A dedicated <$100 25 cm Android tablet is is better than the tiny screen on the device, plus you can surf the internet while listening. Think and research about the UI, Roon, BluOS, WiiM, Eversolo, Volmino and others. I use Roon and BluOS, am generally happy with both and little or no experience with others. BTW Qobuz says they launching a true connect feature soon this year. Integrating streaming, NAS, and internet radio on one portable dashboard is very handy and integrated lifetime, curated and updated UI platform is essential.

Thx Tim, I see. I've watched some videos with interactions in app of Wiim, Eversolo, and Bluesound. All the three seem to be easy and well done.
Price point is pushing hard for Wiim, but I still have some doubts for the always on native mode, mic included (i do not like listening devices, my limit).

 

[DWPress]

With WiiM there's a setting to turn off Siri/Alexa. I never use the voice features, same with my AppleTV.

 

[Timcognito]

Thx Tim, I see. I've watched some videos with interactions in app of Wiim, Eversolo, and Bluesound. All the three seem to be easy and well done.
Price point is pushing hard for Wiim, but I still have some doubts for the always native mode, mic included (i do not like listening devices, my limit).

Analysis Paralysis (not sure if it translates to Italian) and buyers remorse are often overwhelming. If you have not done so search ASR, read the posts including Comments for your favorite device and jump in the pool and start swimming. Music and ease of access are the important things.

 

[Tooom]

Wiim Ultra unboxed today
From first test it seems a gorgeous USB digital transport.
It's also easy to set the unit and avoid the "always-on" microphone.
A bit les intuitive to set bit–perfect for usb transpor, that results from the alignment of a series of other options put on off.
I agree the display play the game in the purchasing phase (Eversolo was a singing mermaid) but it is almost forgotten when the music play.
Of the various display options, in any case, terrible standby wallpapers, cute clock, sad Vu-meter design.
Thx to everybody here in the thread.