2. digital
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on the cheap

I am looking for suggestions for an inexpensive streamer for my sister. I mean a couple hundred bucks. Does anybody make such a thing that would not have to be hooked up to the internet but would work via wi-fi or bluetooth? AND also have a built in dac. Stereo is not her life like some of us. The simpler the better. Would not have to be new. It would be nice also to have the ability to have cd storage. Is it also possible to not have to be run with tidal and be controlled by an app?

thanks

dpm2340
panzrwagn's avatar
panzrwagn
542 posts
 

@jastralfu This stuff doesn’t come particularly easy. I spent a long time getting comfortable with how all pieces fit. And that was working with it every day, professionally. So check the diagram. Layer 1 is the physical media - copper, fiber, radio. The Layer 1 protocols have to talk to the Layer 2 Data Link ’defines the format of the data on the network’ Layer. In other words the Ethernet frame. The WiFi Layer 1 protocols have map the data from their data format into the Ethernet frame at Layer 2 so the data can keep moving. That the interface happens at Layer 2 does not mean WiFi itself is at Layer 2.

 

And OP, just find a BluSound Node. Best money ever spent. It's a no-regrets buy.  

mattw73
65 posts
 

Can't believe how many here gave the OP a hard time about the Ethernet/WiFi connection. I know y'all know what he meant..no physical connection, WiFi. He's looking for the cheapest streaming option for his sister that is obviously no "audiophile", will probably never purchase a hi res streaming service, and no interest in an external DAC that will cost more than the streaming device. Obviously your not going to find a CD storage device, streamer, Bluetooth, DAC for under $200. She probably just needs a Bluetooth device..but since dac is needed as well a WiiM is most likely the best option. 

For your sister with no real HiFi aspirations an $80 WiiM Mini should do the trick. You could go up to the a pro at $150 for a better DAC but also rca outputs instead of the 3.5mm of the Mini. 

mahler123
3,375 posts
 

+1. @mattw73   

 Do the Wii have built in storage?

mattw73
65 posts
 

@mahler123 unfortunately no.  Maybe some one has heard of a model with storage in a "budget-ish" range but I can't think of any. Internal storage is normally found on some of the more or most expensive units. The next best thing I guess would be to have a streamer with a  USB port to play your downloaded/stored music files. 

lanx0003
865 posts
 

The next best thing is iphone with the adapter and usb hub like these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZRYKSF5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083XTKV8V?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

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