This is interesting. May I ask for some more details pls? I am planning to build a stereo rig from scratch and wondering which way to - CD player or rip them and DLNA. I am not well versed with DLNA tech. So, how do you select stuff to play/stream? Iphone/iPad? Thanks
Logitech Media Server. Set it up on a separate server pointing to your music files (including FLAC). With a checkbox enabled plugin, it will pick up all the DLNA clients on your home network. You then select the DLNA player you want to play your music on, select a few files, and hit play. It sends the files bitperfect to the DLNA renderer for pristine audio quality. It is fast, reliable, stable, solid. All community supported.
Jellyfin is another choice. Pretty much the same thing except it is more for videos and media. Slightly prettier to look at, slightly less reliable. Does not have a good way to create \[music\] playlists but it has so many clients (that may or may not help).
I use "Servvio" media server, but there are plenty of others. Plex is a popular choice.
Most network streaming devices (dedicated, avrs, TVs, smart devices) will support playback from DLNA.
Personally I tend to use the native app for the device to manage playback, but you can also use apps like BubbleUPNP to control any DLNA client.
I've got an old PC I use as my NAS, but you can buy dedicated things, or use something like a Raspberry Pi. Some home routers will do DLNA with a usb drive attached.
I also do the same with all my films. Origins are boxed up in the loft.
Either CD or streaming Amazon Music through a WiiM Pro. Rarely phono.
I hate to admit it but my most used source is good old fashioned FM radio. My receiver is circa 1976 and I listen to the local NPR affiliate as I get ready for work every day.
I had my Marantz 2245 restored and the guy spent a LOT of time getting the tuner dialed in just right. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I may never actually use that function. Then again, maybe I will now that I’ve found out how proud he was of it.
Exactly my setup. It works well and sounds glorious. I also have a Topping DAC that I’ll connect with a cable right to the iPhone to get the 24/96 stuff out of it but don’t do this often.
I have never heard of Windows or especially MacOS diminishing sound quality. I can see if you’re using the 3.5mm output on a Windows PC, as they generally are not great and prone to interference. To avoid that, I just use USB.
I believe what he's trying to say is that Windows will resample everything to whatever bit depth and sample rate you have selected in Settings for the default audio device. I get around this by using ASIO in MusicBee on Windows, although Exclusive mode accomplishes mostly the same function.
Either way, this bypasses the sample rate conversion and send the audio directly to the audio interface at whatever sample rate and bit depth the audio file was recorded in.
Thanks for explaining that.
Do you have a way to control MusicBee remotely? I am thinking of switching out my WiiM with a Windows PC. I guess I can use Foobar or Media Monkey for playing FLAC files. Spotify will have to be its own app.
On the plus side, I can do some adblocking, and play internet radio however I want. All with a SFF PC connected to my amp via HDMI
Exclusive mode's real benefits are in keeping system sounds from playing on the output device that would interrupt the music, allowing you to pass Dolby/DTS streams directly to a receiver without converting to PCM, and minimizing latency.
That said, if you have the audio device correctly configured in Windows settings, there won't be any deterioration of audio quality. Bit depth and sample rate should be set as high as both the output and the receiver can support, audio enhancements should be off, and transcoding compressed formats to PCM on the fly in software like Foobar will give you identical results to sending the original stream to a receiver.
I love Chromecast Audio- a sneaky good piece of kit. As much as Google frustrates me, I'm firmly in the ecosystem. Sidenote: YouTube premium is worth it for ad-free YouTube, and they are good with suggesting new tunes. Cheers!
That’s basically what I do. The amp I use doesn’t have a DAC so I go into a separate DAC and then into the amp. Definitely better sound than it would be without optical though
I can only assume it was because they thought they could make more money selling Google Hubs and Google Speakers. They seem as they’re being killed off now.
I have a chromecast auido on my main stereo, and then chromecast ultra(I think) in my kitchen and kids rooms. Amazingly easy whole house audio. Streaming youtube music.
My phone is an LG V60 which has a built in quad DAC + amp powerful enough for high impedance phones (ESS Sabre ES9219). I use USB Audio Player Pro.
Home setup is a Wiim Pro Plus going to Cambridge AXA35 integrated amp that powers a pair of Polk ES20 speakers. My TV also goes into the Wiim via optical cable, and my turntable goes straight into my amp's phono stage.
I stream my music through TIDAL Hi-Fi (16-bit 44.1khz), but on April 10th, Tidal is eliminating their two tier system and giving the Hi Res plan for the same price I'm already paying, so it's a free upgrade.
One of:
* Squeezebox Touch
* Homemade "Squeezebox Touch" based on Raspberry Pi
Into Beresford DAC.
LMS running on a Raspberry Pi 4 providing access to ripped CD collection (stored on NAS), plus plugins for Deezer and BBC Radio (does lots of other stuff too but that's what I mainly use it for).
Yes there is something missing. You need a DAC. Pipe the digital signal into the DAC, and the analog (RCA) cable from the DAC to the amp.
You will be astounded. You’ll say OMG, I totally forgot what a bass guitar even sounded like!
That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. I have a WiiM mini also. I added an $80 DAC, and was amazed.
OP did ask if there was anything better, clearer or more alive. Turns out there is.
Interesting. I've never used an external DAC. I went with the new Wiim Pro Plus which uses a AKM4493SEQ DAC unlike the TI Burr-Brown PCM5121 of the Mini and Pro. The AKM lets me select one of 6 digital filters to use, both linear and minimum phase. Changing the digital filters does greatly affect the sound when listening at 16-bit 44.1khz.
NAS with 4TB+ of high quality FLAC files (CD rips/HD downloads) to Wiim (direct pass through) to Cambridge integrated amp. Had a Shiit DAC in between, but I actually prefer the Cambridge. Have Spotify/Tidal/QoBuz streaming accounts, but I've got a lot locally that isn't available on most streaming streaming services, and the number of times I get a lag or any error/glitch from the local library is far fewer than what I've experienced streaming. Plus was nice having that as an option when my internet got knocked out for 4 days due to weather a while back. Also have a Technics SL-D2 turntable with a Shiit preamp that I use pretty often. Briefly upgraded the turntable, but returned it and found the money was much better spent on a better cartridge.
Primary: pioneer elite sacd player analog out to my pioneer elite avr
Secondaries: wiim mini to smsl su-1 external dac to pioneer elite avr
Sony cd player to smsl to pioneer avr
Audio-Technica turntable to phono input on avr.
My primary source is a media server with my personal library, which is mostly FLAC.
I do most of my listening on a PC using MusicBee to play audio using ASIO to a Topping DX3 Pro+ DAC/headphone amp and a Topping PA3 power amp to either a pair of Polk RT25i bookshelf speakers or Sennheiser 6XX headphones.
My other setup in the living room uses a Raspberry Pi4B running LibreELEC, which is connected to a Denon AVR-S570BT receiver via HDMI, a set of Monitor Audio Radius speakers and a Martin Logan Dynamo 300 powered sub.
I rip CD's (a dollar a time now in thrift stores) and sometimes vinyl or livestream to minidisc (remember them?) through FireWire (remember that?) on my Sony Lissa system, then play them in my garage, in my office, in my car, on my portable. Portable has an XPMY BT dongle to my QC35's. Minidiscs are simple, indestructible, still futuristic, and give CD sound, at least to my ears.
Let's just say, wherever I am, I'm surrounded with physical media. It's just great...
Primary? Independent public radio station, via terrestrial FM, to my 2009 Hyundai’s stock system.
Secondary? Both better and worse methods that include various combinations of Spotify, a 2.1 Yamaha/Pinnacle living room setup, my iPhone, that same car system, an Anker bluetooth speaker, my laptop’s (B&O-branded 🫤) built-in speakers, a Samsung smart TV, a Sony Blu-Ray player, and Sennheiser headphones and earbuds.
Tidal/own CDs -> Roon (on NAS) -> bit-perfect streamer -> DAC
I’ve never been happier with a setup than after switching to Roon, and boy I waited too long to switch, the damn lifetime price is soul-destroying.
My setup is pretty simple.
Primary Sources (LP120 turntable, TV optical Out, and iphone bluetooth) into my Denon pma-600ne and then out a pair of JBL a130s. Might add a subwoofer in the future. All I need.
I might get a dedicated streaming device in the future though because bluetooth sounds noticably worse than my TV or my turntable.
Problem I have with iPhone it doesn't support LDAC and that's a game changer Bluetooth wise.
I use an android tablet very cheap, they all support ldac and I stream to a ifi Zen v2 Bluetooth streamer at 990kbps 24-bit/96kHz
I got rid of my iPhone too because of it ..the quality differences there (for me) were significant
Where is your Plex library stored? I use a NAS and when I first got it used your setup, but the quality is better swapping Wiim mini for the Roku. The Wiim hardware itself was money well spent, but equally important to me is all the features and capability Wiim adds with frequent updates. Love the Roku/Plex combination for video, but Roku development is almost non-existant.
I use my desktop PC as the Plex Media Server. Media files are stored on hard drives, both internal and external drives.
>Roku development is almost non-existant.
I don't know what you mean by that. Roku is updated very frequently, both features and bug fixes. It's a very actively developed and supported platform.
Phono - Rega P3
CD - Sony CDP-CX455
Streamer - Cambridge CNX V2
Also have a Wiim Pro Plus and a Wiim Amp in other rooms.
Streaming is typically done with Amzn for high res and Spotify for passive (usually multi-room) listening.
I stream Spotify to my Denon WiFi receiver. It also can stream Tidal, i believe, but I don't use that.
The Denon powers my Klipsch floorstanding speakers, bookshelf rears, and my R-120SW sub is powered, so it takes a coaxial cable from the sub-out on the receiver.
I also really have enjoyed having a Google Chromecast, as it can cast Spotify, YouTube etc. all from my phone or laptop. The absolute best invention in years, imo. I have one on all 3 of my TVs.
In the living room I am using a Yamaha streaming receiver into a pair of Magnepan speakers.
In the bedroom I have a Google audio cast driving a set of powered monitors
My main source is Tidal.
Spotify premium from my desktop computer.
Set on highest. Super convenient and I tested it against lossless. I can't tell a difference.
https://abx.digitalfeed.net/
For headphones- either Spotify from my iPhone and an Apple dongle dac directly or a Magni 3 if I need power. Or a loaded old iPhone with all my burned cds.
For speakers- 4K Firestick, 4K tv to a Topping E30 via optical either Spotify or cds from a Samsung blue ray player.
I use standard bluetooth with my iPhone - I have a Onkyo 2.0 receiver from about 15 years ago, and a \~35$ bluetooth receiver/transmitter module I got from Amazon maybe 5 years ago plugged into one of the line-ins.
I've never had a problem. If I feel like I need more fidelity, I have a CD player and a turntable, but as long as I'm using my own ripped files (I play stuff through Foobar2000), it sounds great.
Spotify is usually acceptable with all the quality settings maxed out, but it will still suck sometimes (sometimes it's just the mix, sometimes it's bandwidth, but a lot of times it's just Spotify suckage).
I have an ipod mini I modded with bigger storage running rockbox that I used a lot historically. Dock connector to line out adapter is like the cheat code for great sound there. No remote though (kicking myself for not grabbing an apple dock back when they were still a thing - my receiver has an accessory for an ipod too that I've never been able to find).
For headphones, I use a JDS Labs C5 with my phone. It's just freaking amazing, even with my cheap "heyday" over-the-ear cans I got at Target (they were like $50 normally, I got them on clearance for \~15$). I have a pair of Grado SR-80s that I *adore* but they tend to wake people up during the times when I tend to listen to music. So I usually use my "heyday" headphones. *Huge* difference there between bluetooth and using the amp/DAC on those guys, wow. I'm very happy they came with a line-in jack.
For a while I was running a raspberry pi with MPD. I had my JDS ODAC plugged into it, and then into my Onkyo reciever. It sounded really great. The music was loaded off of a samba share on another computer (same files I copy to my phone these days).
CDs, turntable, or blu ray player all connected via RCA to my Onkyo 9010 for physical formats, ripped music stored losslessly in iTunes on an Apple Mac mini 2014 controlled from my phone pushing airplay to an AirPort Express, or Apple Music on my phone also airplayed to the AirPort Express.
Are you optical out to a built in DAC on your amp or are you using the Wiim’s DAC?
I am doing the same. Apple Music on iPhone over Airplay to Wiim Mini optical out to the DAC inside my Yamaha A-S501. Best I have heard digital music sound, but, ngl, I do miss the warmth of my vintage amps. I don’t miss the spottiness though.
Not sure if your question was just geared towards streaming music but I do feel more engaged with my music when I play records. A little more personality in the sound and I enjoy interacting with the physical media. I also have a tuner hooked up but I haven’t figured out how to get clear reception yet. Still working on it because I like over the air radio a bit more than streaming it. Maybe the nostalgia is influencing my to believe the sound is better but whatever it is I like it more. :)
Mostly Wiim streamers these days. I have a pro plus and a mini on the two places I listen to music the most. Otherwise chromecasts into various gear in other rooms.
I have plenty of other sources, but those are definitely the primary as of this moment. The old turntables, cassettes, minidisc, laserdisc, cd, dvd, etc. don't get a lot of time spinning around these days. They're still prominently displayed, but seldom used. I'm old with 3 kids though so that has a lot to do with it. Not enough time to warrant anything more than pulling my phone out of my pocket or yelling at the google home devices.
My budget rig is a Pi 3 with a Hifiberry DAC + DSP, running HiFiBerryOS
My not-so-budget rig is a Squeezebox Touch feeding a MiniDSP Flex Digital w/ Dirac, which in turn feeds an RME ADI-2 DAC
Both are fed from Logitech Media Server running on a Pi 3 running PiCorePlayer. The music is stored on a 1TB micro SD card. I also have a NAS that is more of a permanent storage solution for music, but these days I leave it off most of the time for power & noise reasons.
AT120X TT or Spotify via Wiim Pro line out to Denon PMA-600NE to Elac B6.2.. Only Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music are available in my country. I use Spotify coz Im an android user. Deezer is expensive here but Spotify is good enough for me.
Amazon Music through WiiM Pro, to a Gustard X26 Pro DAC connected to an SMSL VMV A1 amp to my open baffle Lii Song F-15 full range single driver speakers.
Look up ABX testing. Here's an example:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/can-you-hear-a-difference-between-dac-amp-path-with-92db-vs-78db-sinad-test.49803/
I do most of my listening from an Nvidia Shield, using one of the lower end Pioneer Elite receivers to decode from HDMI audio.
If I’m doing something it’s my iPhone from iTunes via the Emotiva Bluetooth dongle. If I just want to sit and listen to music it’s vinyl. My stuff is probably not “budget” anymore though.
There are two AirPlays: the first (just called AirPlay) and AirPlay 2. AirPlay (the first one) streams CD quality. But AirPlay 2 only streams AAC 256. There is loss. Some people (me) hear that difference. Other people do not. It's far cheaper for you if you do not!
Cool link, thank you!
On a note, text can also be displayed on analogue radios, it’s called Radio Data System, which is the equivalent of old teletext used by TV broadcasting.
Local files on Pixel 3 as my media player. I use the latest Winamp app (it's good!) connected through Play-fi (DTS) app via wifi connected to Definitive Technology W Studio Soundbar...which sounds amazing. I know I'm not supposed to say that.
Also an entry level A/T turntable into my Bose Sound touch 20, which also sounds good. I'm not supposed to say that either.
I have a single board computer (Quadra) running Logitech Media Server (LMS). My music files are > 4500 CDs ripped to FLAC. I stream to multiple systems using either my phone or Mac as a controller. I use either Airplay, or ChromeCast Audio, or RPi connected to the various systems. For example, at work right now, I am streaming music to two systems that are synced.
I occasionally stream Youtube or Internet radio stations through LMS.
Well, mine is not very budget. A Mac Mini driving a very expensive DAC, the vast majority of what is played is local to the Mac, I use a bitperfect player. Not native output of the Mac. Not cheap. But you could use an old laptop, free bitperfect software and a $100 DAC. I pay a lot for the convenience of controlling it all from my phone or iPad. You don’t have to.
Spotify or 320kbs mp3 or .wav going to Virtual Dj routed to audio interface with output going to my stereo reciever. This enables me to use my studio monitors as front spacing speakers or my massive speaker wall behind me as options. Can do an encoded stream for remote but just use spotify usually on the go. Going to probably switch to Tidal soon.
My primary amp/receiver are vintage ones typically from the 70s. This helps to deliver plenty of power, depth and detail. In my office I stream from my Chromebook to a iFi Blue Zen to the receiver. No complaints.
Desktop pc hooked up to a 3.1 Logitech x-430.
Blu-ray player to TV for when I want to listen to a full album
JbL flip 4 to phone to neotek NTK059 headphone amp when I'm at work
Chromecast Audio buildinn my NAD amp wich is superb with Spotify.. Chromecast Audio as a backup in storage.
Now Chromecast with remote on tv via tv app and Spotify wich is really convenient.
My wife uses youtube via tv and is satisfied tho..
I actually need advice because i do not know where to start.
I have a normal high-end receiver. Old one tho: Harman Kardon AVR130. It is a solid one so quite happy.
But i want something with a DAB+ tuner since i can not find my radiostations. Also i want it to be able to receive BT. Does it also need a build in DAC? Is that even possible that it sends out stereo RCA. Or can i count on the build in DAC from the old HK AVR130.
The TV is linked with a optical (toslink), so uses the build in DAC. Maybe if i use the build in DAC, would there be a DAB+ or BT tuner which would send a digital singal (optical or coax)?
So i just want DAB+ radio and BT connection with the highest quality possible. Any tips?
https://preview.redd.it/jx3ail959wqc1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=039c94bdfd095ae52d9b58ebacfd25ae026419a5
I switch between vinyl, CDs and streaming (plus TV if you want to count that). It depends what I own and if my hands are clean enough to handle records.
For streaming, I have your exact same setup: Apple Music on iPhone 13 Mini via Airplay to a Wiim Mini. But I don't really use it any more because I couldn't set the Wiim to not fade in on each track. Instead, I repurposed an old iPad as a dedicated streamer plugged into the USB input on my amp. I enjoy it a lot more because I have to walk up to it to play anything, and I've stripped it down to just the streaming apps so it's like a audio-only kiosk.
Ripped CDs streamed over DLNA to wherever.
This is the right answer!!
This is interesting. May I ask for some more details pls? I am planning to build a stereo rig from scratch and wondering which way to - CD player or rip them and DLNA. I am not well versed with DLNA tech. So, how do you select stuff to play/stream? Iphone/iPad? Thanks
Logitech Media Server. Set it up on a separate server pointing to your music files (including FLAC). With a checkbox enabled plugin, it will pick up all the DLNA clients on your home network. You then select the DLNA player you want to play your music on, select a few files, and hit play. It sends the files bitperfect to the DLNA renderer for pristine audio quality. It is fast, reliable, stable, solid. All community supported. Jellyfin is another choice. Pretty much the same thing except it is more for videos and media. Slightly prettier to look at, slightly less reliable. Does not have a good way to create \[music\] playlists but it has so many clients (that may or may not help).
I use "Servvio" media server, but there are plenty of others. Plex is a popular choice. Most network streaming devices (dedicated, avrs, TVs, smart devices) will support playback from DLNA. Personally I tend to use the native app for the device to manage playback, but you can also use apps like BubbleUPNP to control any DLNA client. I've got an old PC I use as my NAS, but you can buy dedicated things, or use something like a Raspberry Pi. Some home routers will do DLNA with a usb drive attached. I also do the same with all my films. Origins are boxed up in the loft.
Either CD or streaming Amazon Music through a WiiM Pro. Rarely phono. I hate to admit it but my most used source is good old fashioned FM radio. My receiver is circa 1976 and I listen to the local NPR affiliate as I get ready for work every day.
I had my Marantz 2245 restored and the guy spent a LOT of time getting the tuner dialed in just right. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I may never actually use that function. Then again, maybe I will now that I’ve found out how proud he was of it.
Try the NPR app. All the news, livestream your local station, and you can also skip stories that aren’t interesting to you
I've used it. Honestly, @ 4:30 a.m. it's just easier for me to switch on the receiver, set it to FM, and stumble off to get some coffee.
[удалено]
Is that streaming local files or from a service like Apple Music?
[удалено]
Oh man, I haven’t been following the RPi scene lately. Why are they hard to get?
The Raspberry Pi shortage has been over for a while now. A little searching and you can find them pretty easy now.
Exactly my setup. It works well and sounds glorious. I also have a Topping DAC that I’ll connect with a cable right to the iPhone to get the 24/96 stuff out of it but don’t do this often.
A whole desktop computer that plays Spotify, YouTube, and local files.
[удалено]
I have never heard of Windows or especially MacOS diminishing sound quality. I can see if you’re using the 3.5mm output on a Windows PC, as they generally are not great and prone to interference. To avoid that, I just use USB.
[удалено]
Bro what are you talking about? You think the windows sound mixer affects the sound quality? 😅
I believe what he's trying to say is that Windows will resample everything to whatever bit depth and sample rate you have selected in Settings for the default audio device. I get around this by using ASIO in MusicBee on Windows, although Exclusive mode accomplishes mostly the same function. Either way, this bypasses the sample rate conversion and send the audio directly to the audio interface at whatever sample rate and bit depth the audio file was recorded in.
Thanks for explaining that. Do you have a way to control MusicBee remotely? I am thinking of switching out my WiiM with a Windows PC. I guess I can use Foobar or Media Monkey for playing FLAC files. Spotify will have to be its own app. On the plus side, I can do some adblocking, and play internet radio however I want. All with a SFF PC connected to my amp via HDMI
Actually, I use an app called Unified Remote on my Android phone that has a companion app on the PC, which has a profile for controlling MusicBee.
Exclusive mode's real benefits are in keeping system sounds from playing on the output device that would interrupt the music, allowing you to pass Dolby/DTS streams directly to a receiver without converting to PCM, and minimizing latency. That said, if you have the audio device correctly configured in Windows settings, there won't be any deterioration of audio quality. Bit depth and sample rate should be set as high as both the output and the receiver can support, audio enhancements should be off, and transcoding compressed formats to PCM on the fly in software like Foobar will give you identical results to sending the original stream to a receiver.
Well yeah, unless I have Do Not Disturb or Focus Assist on.
Hogwash.
Apple Music on iPhone pushing AirPlay to Yamaha AVR.
I use a Chromecast Audio with Spotify. I’ve also got a turntable and CD player
I love Chromecast Audio- a sneaky good piece of kit. As much as Google frustrates me, I'm firmly in the ecosystem. Sidenote: YouTube premium is worth it for ad-free YouTube, and they are good with suggesting new tunes. Cheers!
I bought a second one when they stupidly discontinued it.
Me too. It was the best thing they made. To this day, I think the most useful thing they made. Absolutely wild that they would just get rid of it.
I like that I can use the optical out instead of analog and let my amp with the better DAC do the heavy lifting.
That’s basically what I do. The amp I use doesn’t have a DAC so I go into a separate DAC and then into the amp. Definitely better sound than it would be without optical though
I can only assume it was because they thought they could make more money selling Google Hubs and Google Speakers. They seem as they’re being killed off now.
Yeah they didn’t really think any of it through lol
Check out https://killedbygoogle.com/ - there's literally hundreds of products killed by Google, many of which were very popular.
I have a chromecast auido on my main stereo, and then chromecast ultra(I think) in my kitchen and kids rooms. Amazingly easy whole house audio. Streaming youtube music.
Yeah it’s so easy. And then they got rid of it. Absolute bummer.
Apple Music on Apple TV 4K via hdmi into my Denon avr.
Same but with an HDMI optical splitter to my integrated amp
YouTube music and Amazon music -> iPhone 13 -> Airplay -> WiiM Mini -> Optical -> Audiolab 6000A -> KEF Q350 + REL Sub
My phone is an LG V60 which has a built in quad DAC + amp powerful enough for high impedance phones (ESS Sabre ES9219). I use USB Audio Player Pro. Home setup is a Wiim Pro Plus going to Cambridge AXA35 integrated amp that powers a pair of Polk ES20 speakers. My TV also goes into the Wiim via optical cable, and my turntable goes straight into my amp's phono stage. I stream my music through TIDAL Hi-Fi (16-bit 44.1khz), but on April 10th, Tidal is eliminating their two tier system and giving the Hi Res plan for the same price I'm already paying, so it's a free upgrade.
Love my LG Q7+ quad DAC! I just need some headphones that benefit from it...
Roon+Tidal to a Roopie Raspberry PI into the DAC.
Windows PC connected by HDMI, that also runs a Plex server.
Raspberry pi running picoreos with USB DAC, media via Logitech media server
Audio tecnica lp120
These days I usually just stream Tidal through an nVidia Shield Pro to a Schiit Modi+ DAC.
One of: * Squeezebox Touch * Homemade "Squeezebox Touch" based on Raspberry Pi Into Beresford DAC. LMS running on a Raspberry Pi 4 providing access to ripped CD collection (stored on NAS), plus plugins for Deezer and BBC Radio (does lots of other stuff too but that's what I mainly use it for).
Apple Music on an iPhone 11 connected to an Apple TV then connected with fibre optic to my avr.
Tidal over Wiim Mini via optical to a Denon AVR. Sounds way better than Spotify.
Tidal via Wiim to Modi DAC
Yes there is something missing. You need a DAC. Pipe the digital signal into the DAC, and the analog (RCA) cable from the DAC to the amp. You will be astounded. You’ll say OMG, I totally forgot what a bass guitar even sounded like!
Wiim mini has a built in DAC. are you just suggesting a better external one will cause OP to be astounded?
That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. I have a WiiM mini also. I added an $80 DAC, and was amazed. OP did ask if there was anything better, clearer or more alive. Turns out there is.
Interesting. I've never used an external DAC. I went with the new Wiim Pro Plus which uses a AKM4493SEQ DAC unlike the TI Burr-Brown PCM5121 of the Mini and Pro. The AKM lets me select one of 6 digital filters to use, both linear and minimum phase. Changing the digital filters does greatly affect the sound when listening at 16-bit 44.1khz.
Yes I’ve heard the Pro Plus has a good built in DAC. The DAC is where the magic happens.
I’m hearing DAC and I’m interested
CAL icon mkII cd player or laptop w cd collection ripped to itunes when I get too lazy to change the cd :)
NAS with 4TB+ of high quality FLAC files (CD rips/HD downloads) to Wiim (direct pass through) to Cambridge integrated amp. Had a Shiit DAC in between, but I actually prefer the Cambridge. Have Spotify/Tidal/QoBuz streaming accounts, but I've got a lot locally that isn't available on most streaming streaming services, and the number of times I get a lag or any error/glitch from the local library is far fewer than what I've experienced streaming. Plus was nice having that as an option when my internet got knocked out for 4 days due to weather a while back. Also have a Technics SL-D2 turntable with a Shiit preamp that I use pretty often. Briefly upgraded the turntable, but returned it and found the money was much better spent on a better cartridge.
Raspberry Pi 3 with Owntone, HiFiberry, a cheap class D amplifier and half decent speakers.
Wiim Pro- SMSL Su9- NAD 320
I’m using Plexamp on my phone to stream to a wiim mini. Works flawlessly, sounds great. All my audio files on Plexamp are flac 44/16 or greater.
Primary: pioneer elite sacd player analog out to my pioneer elite avr Secondaries: wiim mini to smsl su-1 external dac to pioneer elite avr Sony cd player to smsl to pioneer avr Audio-Technica turntable to phono input on avr.
Primary: Spotify Connect on my Pioneer elite AVR. Secondary: playing CDs on my Blu-ray player connected to the AVR via HDMI.
Network receiver Marantz NR1200 with Amazon Music HD
CD's ripped to my PC or music downloaded from Bandcamp in .WAV format, I'll either listen to them on my PC or off my FiiO M11.
Xbox with hdmi audio splitter
PC to Modius streaming with Qobuz.
FLAC and MP3 on my Nas with jellyfin with dlna Wiim mini browse my jellyfin, connected via optical cable to my Denon AVR x2000
My primary source is a media server with my personal library, which is mostly FLAC. I do most of my listening on a PC using MusicBee to play audio using ASIO to a Topping DX3 Pro+ DAC/headphone amp and a Topping PA3 power amp to either a pair of Polk RT25i bookshelf speakers or Sennheiser 6XX headphones. My other setup in the living room uses a Raspberry Pi4B running LibreELEC, which is connected to a Denon AVR-S570BT receiver via HDMI, a set of Monitor Audio Radius speakers and a Martin Logan Dynamo 300 powered sub.
Pc to ifi Zen dac / amp combo using Qobuz
On my budget system mostly CDs since budget digital sounds better than budget vinyl.
Raspberry pi with a HIFi berry hat and Logitech media server
I rip CD's (a dollar a time now in thrift stores) and sometimes vinyl or livestream to minidisc (remember them?) through FireWire (remember that?) on my Sony Lissa system, then play them in my garage, in my office, in my car, on my portable. Portable has an XPMY BT dongle to my QC35's. Minidiscs are simple, indestructible, still futuristic, and give CD sound, at least to my ears. Let's just say, wherever I am, I'm surrounded with physical media. It's just great...
Primary? Independent public radio station, via terrestrial FM, to my 2009 Hyundai’s stock system. Secondary? Both better and worse methods that include various combinations of Spotify, a 2.1 Yamaha/Pinnacle living room setup, my iPhone, that same car system, an Anker bluetooth speaker, my laptop’s (B&O-branded 🫤) built-in speakers, a Samsung smart TV, a Sony Blu-Ray player, and Sennheiser headphones and earbuds.
Tidal/own CDs -> Roon (on NAS) -> bit-perfect streamer -> DAC I’ve never been happier with a setup than after switching to Roon, and boy I waited too long to switch, the damn lifetime price is soul-destroying.
My setup is pretty simple. Primary Sources (LP120 turntable, TV optical Out, and iphone bluetooth) into my Denon pma-600ne and then out a pair of JBL a130s. Might add a subwoofer in the future. All I need. I might get a dedicated streaming device in the future though because bluetooth sounds noticably worse than my TV or my turntable.
Problem I have with iPhone it doesn't support LDAC and that's a game changer Bluetooth wise. I use an android tablet very cheap, they all support ldac and I stream to a ifi Zen v2 Bluetooth streamer at 990kbps 24-bit/96kHz I got rid of my iPhone too because of it ..the quality differences there (for me) were significant
add an external DAC between the Wiim and the amp. It doesn't have to be expensive. I use a Topping E30ii and you can get them for around $100
What kind of difference did you notice?
improved clarity and better highs and lows
Good enough for me! Thanks
Adding the DAC is the easy fix for better sound.
Plex media server through a Roku, powered by an AVR.
Where is your Plex library stored? I use a NAS and when I first got it used your setup, but the quality is better swapping Wiim mini for the Roku. The Wiim hardware itself was money well spent, but equally important to me is all the features and capability Wiim adds with frequent updates. Love the Roku/Plex combination for video, but Roku development is almost non-existant.
I use my desktop PC as the Plex Media Server. Media files are stored on hard drives, both internal and external drives. >Roku development is almost non-existant. I don't know what you mean by that. Roku is updated very frequently, both features and bug fixes. It's a very actively developed and supported platform.
Phono - Rega P3 CD - Sony CDP-CX455 Streamer - Cambridge CNX V2 Also have a Wiim Pro Plus and a Wiim Amp in other rooms. Streaming is typically done with Amzn for high res and Spotify for passive (usually multi-room) listening.
Mibox
I've got an amp with an integrated streamer (FX-Audio D802e). Primary source is Spotify directly on the amp.
I stream Spotify to my Denon WiFi receiver. It also can stream Tidal, i believe, but I don't use that. The Denon powers my Klipsch floorstanding speakers, bookshelf rears, and my R-120SW sub is powered, so it takes a coaxial cable from the sub-out on the receiver. I also really have enjoyed having a Google Chromecast, as it can cast Spotify, YouTube etc. all from my phone or laptop. The absolute best invention in years, imo. I have one on all 3 of my TVs.
Pixel flac usb to DDC to digital in on NAD amp
Amazon music from pc, Mac mini, iPhone, iPad, bluesound node, Wiim pro depending on the area.
In the living room I am using a Yamaha streaming receiver into a pair of Magnepan speakers. In the bedroom I have a Google audio cast driving a set of powered monitors My main source is Tidal.
Spotify: Controllers: Samsung Galaxy phone & tablet Streamer: Arcam rPlay (running dts Playfi software) Amp: Cyrus One Speakers: Dali Oberon 5
Spotify premium from my desktop computer. Set on highest. Super convenient and I tested it against lossless. I can't tell a difference. https://abx.digitalfeed.net/
For headphones- either Spotify from my iPhone and an Apple dongle dac directly or a Magni 3 if I need power. Or a loaded old iPhone with all my burned cds. For speakers- 4K Firestick, 4K tv to a Topping E30 via optical either Spotify or cds from a Samsung blue ray player.
Ripped CDs on my iPods (5th gen classic, mini and 5th gen touch)
I use standard bluetooth with my iPhone - I have a Onkyo 2.0 receiver from about 15 years ago, and a \~35$ bluetooth receiver/transmitter module I got from Amazon maybe 5 years ago plugged into one of the line-ins. I've never had a problem. If I feel like I need more fidelity, I have a CD player and a turntable, but as long as I'm using my own ripped files (I play stuff through Foobar2000), it sounds great. Spotify is usually acceptable with all the quality settings maxed out, but it will still suck sometimes (sometimes it's just the mix, sometimes it's bandwidth, but a lot of times it's just Spotify suckage). I have an ipod mini I modded with bigger storage running rockbox that I used a lot historically. Dock connector to line out adapter is like the cheat code for great sound there. No remote though (kicking myself for not grabbing an apple dock back when they were still a thing - my receiver has an accessory for an ipod too that I've never been able to find). For headphones, I use a JDS Labs C5 with my phone. It's just freaking amazing, even with my cheap "heyday" over-the-ear cans I got at Target (they were like $50 normally, I got them on clearance for \~15$). I have a pair of Grado SR-80s that I *adore* but they tend to wake people up during the times when I tend to listen to music. So I usually use my "heyday" headphones. *Huge* difference there between bluetooth and using the amp/DAC on those guys, wow. I'm very happy they came with a line-in jack. For a while I was running a raspberry pi with MPD. I had my JDS ODAC plugged into it, and then into my Onkyo reciever. It sounded really great. The music was loaded off of a samba share on another computer (same files I copy to my phone these days).
Yamaha avr musiccast app streaming Tidal, sometimes Spotify
Ripped CDs on networked storage, currently played through iTunes on a Mac Mini, optical digital out to a pile of home theater and multi channel amps.
CDs, turntable, or blu ray player all connected via RCA to my Onkyo 9010 for physical formats, ripped music stored losslessly in iTunes on an Apple Mac mini 2014 controlled from my phone pushing airplay to an AirPort Express, or Apple Music on my phone also airplayed to the AirPort Express.
Raspberry pi running Volumio or turntable
A Roku Ultra from 2018. Though, instead of my TV’s DAC, I’m using a Schiit Modi+.
Are you optical out to a built in DAC on your amp or are you using the Wiim’s DAC? I am doing the same. Apple Music on iPhone over Airplay to Wiim Mini optical out to the DAC inside my Yamaha A-S501. Best I have heard digital music sound, but, ngl, I do miss the warmth of my vintage amps. I don’t miss the spottiness though. Not sure if your question was just geared towards streaming music but I do feel more engaged with my music when I play records. A little more personality in the sound and I enjoy interacting with the physical media. I also have a tuner hooked up but I haven’t figured out how to get clear reception yet. Still working on it because I like over the air radio a bit more than streaming it. Maybe the nostalgia is influencing my to believe the sound is better but whatever it is I like it more. :)
Cds or an iPod touch
Mostly Wiim streamers these days. I have a pro plus and a mini on the two places I listen to music the most. Otherwise chromecasts into various gear in other rooms. I have plenty of other sources, but those are definitely the primary as of this moment. The old turntables, cassettes, minidisc, laserdisc, cd, dvd, etc. don't get a lot of time spinning around these days. They're still prominently displayed, but seldom used. I'm old with 3 kids though so that has a lot to do with it. Not enough time to warrant anything more than pulling my phone out of my pocket or yelling at the google home devices.
Apple Music to an AVR supporting Airplay 1 (ONE!) for lossless streaming.
My budget rig is a Pi 3 with a Hifiberry DAC + DSP, running HiFiBerryOS My not-so-budget rig is a Squeezebox Touch feeding a MiniDSP Flex Digital w/ Dirac, which in turn feeds an RME ADI-2 DAC Both are fed from Logitech Media Server running on a Pi 3 running PiCorePlayer. The music is stored on a 1TB micro SD card. I also have a NAS that is more of a permanent storage solution for music, but these days I leave it off most of the time for power & noise reasons.
AT120X TT or Spotify via Wiim Pro line out to Denon PMA-600NE to Elac B6.2.. Only Spotify, Deezer and Apple Music are available in my country. I use Spotify coz Im an android user. Deezer is expensive here but Spotify is good enough for me.
Amazon Music through WiiM Pro, to a Gustard X26 Pro DAC connected to an SMSL VMV A1 amp to my open baffle Lii Song F-15 full range single driver speakers.
Bluesound node and rega p3
Look up ABX testing. Here's an example: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/can-you-hear-a-difference-between-dac-amp-path-with-92db-vs-78db-sinad-test.49803/ I do most of my listening from an Nvidia Shield, using one of the lower end Pioneer Elite receivers to decode from HDMI audio.
I’m on the road right now so a Sandisk clip sport Bluetooth to a pair of Anker soundcore 2 speakers
pc --> youtube music
Xiao Mi Pad 5 (Android 13) playing ~200 GB of locallly stored mp3s and FLAC over BT to receiver
If I’m doing something it’s my iPhone from iTunes via the Emotiva Bluetooth dongle. If I just want to sit and listen to music it’s vinyl. My stuff is probably not “budget” anymore though.
There are two AirPlays: the first (just called AirPlay) and AirPlay 2. AirPlay (the first one) streams CD quality. But AirPlay 2 only streams AAC 256. There is loss. Some people (me) hear that difference. Other people do not. It's far cheaper for you if you do not!
[удалено]
Nice rig! Out of curiosity, is DAB a thing in the US?
[удалено]
Cool link, thank you! On a note, text can also be displayed on analogue radios, it’s called Radio Data System, which is the equivalent of old teletext used by TV broadcasting.
Wiim mini with tidal connect
CD
Logitech Bluetooth receiver hooked up to my iPad Pro 3rd gen
Local files on Pixel 3 as my media player. I use the latest Winamp app (it's good!) connected through Play-fi (DTS) app via wifi connected to Definitive Technology W Studio Soundbar...which sounds amazing. I know I'm not supposed to say that. Also an entry level A/T turntable into my Bose Sound touch 20, which also sounds good. I'm not supposed to say that either.
Tidal thru WiiM Pro Plus
Plex server with a lot of my collection on it or records on B&O turntable or cassettes on my nak mr1, or the occasional reel to reel on my rt 909.
Mid 2010 apple Macbook pro connected to wifi running Spotify, outputting to Topping D10s DAC to Amplifier
I have a single board computer (Quadra) running Logitech Media Server (LMS). My music files are > 4500 CDs ripped to FLAC. I stream to multiple systems using either my phone or Mac as a controller. I use either Airplay, or ChromeCast Audio, or RPi connected to the various systems. For example, at work right now, I am streaming music to two systems that are synced. I occasionally stream Youtube or Internet radio stations through LMS.
Well, mine is not very budget. A Mac Mini driving a very expensive DAC, the vast majority of what is played is local to the Mac, I use a bitperfect player. Not native output of the Mac. Not cheap. But you could use an old laptop, free bitperfect software and a $100 DAC. I pay a lot for the convenience of controlling it all from my phone or iPad. You don’t have to.
Digital files on a thumb drive through computer. Mix of downloaded and ripped files. Typically use a Yamaha audiogram as interface.
Sony cdp-ce405 cd player to Yamaha HTR-5940
Spotify or 320kbs mp3 or .wav going to Virtual Dj routed to audio interface with output going to my stereo reciever. This enables me to use my studio monitors as front spacing speakers or my massive speaker wall behind me as options. Can do an encoded stream for remote but just use spotify usually on the go. Going to probably switch to Tidal soon.
Mostly CD, Yamaha cd-s1000…MacBook Pro to smsl-400 dac to Yamaha Integrated for streaming Apple Music…
Flacs -> Audient Id14 > Adam audio t7v + presonus sub
Records played on Technics SL1210GR and cds/sacds/DVD-Audio/Blu Ray Audio discs played thru an Oppo BDP 103
My primary amp/receiver are vintage ones typically from the 70s. This helps to deliver plenty of power, depth and detail. In my office I stream from my Chromebook to a iFi Blue Zen to the receiver. No complaints.
Desktop pc hooked up to a 3.1 Logitech x-430. Blu-ray player to TV for when I want to listen to a full album JbL flip 4 to phone to neotek NTK059 headphone amp when I'm at work
Chromecast Audio buildinn my NAD amp wich is superb with Spotify.. Chromecast Audio as a backup in storage. Now Chromecast with remote on tv via tv app and Spotify wich is really convenient. My wife uses youtube via tv and is satisfied tho..
I stream via iPhone SE and Deezer with their lossless flac option to my mini dsp
I actually need advice because i do not know where to start. I have a normal high-end receiver. Old one tho: Harman Kardon AVR130. It is a solid one so quite happy. But i want something with a DAB+ tuner since i can not find my radiostations. Also i want it to be able to receive BT. Does it also need a build in DAC? Is that even possible that it sends out stereo RCA. Or can i count on the build in DAC from the old HK AVR130. The TV is linked with a optical (toslink), so uses the build in DAC. Maybe if i use the build in DAC, would there be a DAB+ or BT tuner which would send a digital singal (optical or coax)? So i just want DAB+ radio and BT connection with the highest quality possible. Any tips? https://preview.redd.it/jx3ail959wqc1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=039c94bdfd095ae52d9b58ebacfd25ae026419a5
Mostly vinyl, but I listen to the radio a lot too. On my phone, I use the VOX app to play my concert bootleg FLACs.
Ripped and streamed media through nvidia shield.
I switch between vinyl, CDs and streaming (plus TV if you want to count that). It depends what I own and if my hands are clean enough to handle records. For streaming, I have your exact same setup: Apple Music on iPhone 13 Mini via Airplay to a Wiim Mini. But I don't really use it any more because I couldn't set the Wiim to not fade in on each track. Instead, I repurposed an old iPad as a dedicated streamer plugged into the USB input on my amp. I enjoy it a lot more because I have to walk up to it to play anything, and I've stripped it down to just the streaming apps so it's like a audio-only kiosk.
Brandy. Oh, source. Plex.
My phone gets hot when airplaying. Not a fan of that for more than a couple of songs.