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Requesting recommendations for simple and easy to use music streaming devices

An unusual question please:

I’m setting up my first and probably last audio system. I’ve used headphones before, but never speakers. I bought the Graham LS 6 speakers which I bought for their rich mid range. I was thinking of purchasing a streaming integrated amplifier because I thought an all in one would be simplest to use, and I was considering an Arcam SA 30 as it has both enough power and I’m told it would nicely preserve the rich mid range of the speakers. However, as I started to read about it I got scared off because as a senior I am, sorry to say, completely helpless when it comes to technology and the SA 30 has so many features there’s no way I could really use it. I would very much appreciate any recommendations for a streaming set-up, all in one or separates (integrated  amplifier plus streamer?), that would be easy enough to use. I don’t need a lot of features because I will only be using it to stream directly from streaming services (Amazon HD, TIDAL and perhaps others in the future; I will have none of my own files; no CDs; no phono). Any suggestions for a system, integrated or otherwise, that would be able to properly drive the LS6 speakers (8 ohms; 87 dB’s; recommended amplifier power 50–150 watts) and preserve their rich midrange, but also as simple and easy to use as possible? Budget could be $2000-$3000, but, again, simplicity is critical. I know it’s a difficult question because I am asking for two probably inconsistent goals: good sound and simple to use. Thanks very much.

switzer145
carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

You hit the nail on the head with "easy to use".  The main difference between quality streamers is the Human Machine Interface (HMI).  I find some of them suck and some of them I like.  It is a personal thing so it would be great if you could demo some of them and figure out how to search for songs and play them and see if you like it.  

I use Roon, not terribly simple to set up but very nice to use.  I hear aurender conductor is good.  I had a bluesound node but can't remember if the controls appealed to me or not.  so look closely at how you manage your music and play songs.  I like doing it with my laptop in my lap.  Roon I can do on my laptop, my phone, or my tablet.

What I didn't like was using either Tidal or Qobuz as my music managment interface.

Jerry

jperry
2,453 posts
 

HiFI Rose RS 520 ($3,695) or RS 201E ($2,195) would do what you need. Very simple to set up and use.

yeti42's avatar
yeti42
287 posts
 

A Naim Uniti Atom might fit the bill. It’s an all in one streamer/DAC/amp but since you say you’re not planing to move on from there that may not be a problem for you. You’ll need an iPAD or at a pinch an Android tablet for the app, the apple version of which works more reliably I’m told and is what I use and I find it very easy. Setup to an existing wireless network was painless if the tablet is already connected and the free app running on it. There is native Tidal, Qobuz and spotify and other services via Airplay and Chromecast and it should suit the Grahams a treat. The only drawback is cost compared to some of it’s competitors but worth a listen if you can before deciding.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,822 posts
 

Naim uniti either a Star or Nova

 

superb sound quality

superb build quality

great easy to use app

warm full sounding should drive the Grahams easily

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Naim and bluesound dealers

mahler123
3,383 posts
 

You didn't define a budget, but i really like the Cambridge Audio CXN 60, so much that I just bought a second unit for another system.  It costs about $1100.  It has a superb DAC that you can use for other digital sources, and a really good app to operate it.  It also has AirPlay and Chromecast which once you master the rudiments of streaming you will find very easy.  It integrates easily with the major streaming services.  It doesn't contain storage, however so if you plan to play CDs or downloads that you have burned to a Hard Drive, you will need a server 

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