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Looking for a basic streamer without a DAC, preamp, storage and all that

I’m looking for a simple streamer to connect to my Schiit Bifrost DAC via USB, coax, or toslink. Every streamer I look at has some combination of features I don’t need: screen, preamp, phono stage, amp, DAC, hard drive, Roon-readiness, etc.

All I want to do is use Tidal Connect on my iPhone or iPad to send the content to the streaming device which will connect to my DAC which is connected to my system. For the sake of convenience, I’d prefer not to connect my phone or iPad directly to the DAC. 

So is there a really basic and pared down streamer that’ll just accept content from Tidal or the like or am I going to have to sort out which streamer has the least amount of features I don’t need and just live with it? Or am I just going to have to accept connecting my iPhone or iPad to the DAC?


pip_helix
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,595 posts
 
There are many threads on streamers, streaming, etc.  Here's one to get you started:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/streamer-with-no-dac?highlight=Streamer
mahler123
3,351 posts
 
Don’t Aurender and Auralic make streamers like this?
gmercer
193 posts
 
Meridian 210
McIntosh MB50 / MS500

I thought Cary Audio Makes one but now looks like they may only make money that include DACs
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,623 posts
 
Use what Darko uses:
https://darko.audio/2020/06/allos-usbridge-signature-review/
For higher quality with built in LPS:
https://magnahifi.com/nl/mano-ultra-music-streamer-high-res/
More $$ than that will not get you better SQ.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
835 posts
 
I use my computer to connect via bluetooth to the iFi Zen Blue. The Zen Blue connects to my DAC, and it does have an internal DAC that I don't use. So I play Amazon Music or whatever on my computer and it sounds pretty good.
$125 or something if I remember.

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-blue/
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