Need recommendations for a streamer

sns

Whenever I see posts for advice on specific streaming hardware to purchase, the amazing variety of advice given makes me think a whole lot of people believe their streaming setups are providing great sound quality ... But with so many differing and positive experiences reported, how would novice know where to begin. I just know I'd be totally confused.

Yes, it's easy to be confused by it all, in part because the vocabulary isn't really standardized. Then there's the mountain of silly misinformation, such as this gem from @jays_audio_lab on another thread, supposedly quoting a guy with a $2.5 million system and room:

I have been communicating with a top audio industry expert who brought to my attention something quite interesting. I am copying and pasting -

"Streaming quality is inferior to playing files from a HD, and it is always changing based on your current bandwidth. You just never know what kind of compression you are actually listening to (it does not matter what Qobuz telling you about the quality, it is passed their control - think about the times you see Netflix/amazon and the quality changes) .

I’m using a Cambridge Audio CXNV2 

and it’s  great- it works - upgrading is easy-

I’m hard wired to the internet router

sometimes the signal is awesome 

most of the time the signal is awful!

this morning real early I was listening to a broadcast and the system never sounded so good! 
 

the moral- poor signal poor sound quality!

So if you are an internet listener  don’t spend a fortune

since  the quality of the source and the quality of the signal will 

be critical

I have a zen blue and I love it. Easy to us and great sound.

The SMSL SD-9 is a excellent streamer with USB and I2S outputs and connects to the internet wired or wireless. I use the USB output to a USB to I2S adapter to my Musician Pegasus DAC. You can use Bubble UPnP to connect your Tidal and Qobuz accounts to stream through the SD-9. All this for $399 

Hello,

I really love the Bluos app. I wish they would come out with a full size big brother to the NODE with LPS and balanced/ ABS/EBU outputs. Until they do that I will suggest a Lumin U1mini since they just upgraded it. If you have a few more bucks then just go for the U2mini. It is just a really great streamer. The app works very well too. Later you can add a LPS to upgrade the performance. See if you have a dealer in your area who will let you do an in home demo. If you are in the Chicagoland area Holm Audio in Woodridge, IL lets you try before you buy. If you are not from that area you can check out the website to find a local retailer. If you are looking for a little smaller footprint then TEAC makes one too using the same app either under the TEAC APP or the Lumin App. I hope this helps.