2. digital
  3. 151276-90127

Best budget streamer on the market now?

I know there have been lots of threads around this subject but the market moves forward very quickly on this tech so....

Using Google Chromecast Audio right now for my two older systems and while I do not have a problem with the units themselves the control app, BubbleupNp leaves something to be desired constantly crashing on my android phone.
Now maybe someone knows of a better more stable app for starters?

Failing that all I need is the ability to connect wirelessly to my home network ( has to be able to connect to Qobuz!) and be able to send an analog out signal via stereo rca ( my older system integrateds do not have any other options).
No other features required.

Thank you.
128x128uberwaltz
john_g
80 posts
 
I’m using a exaSound Sigma streamer as my main electronic music listening device with good results, although at $750 it may not rate as "budget."

https://exasound.com/Store/SigmaStreamer.aspx

It got a brief good review from (I think) Kal Rubinson:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-99-revel-exasound-page-2



larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
Amazon Music Unlimited HD is a new contender.  Their library is very large.  Most of their hi res plays 24/96.  However, I wish their interface looked like TIDAL's when streaming through my Bluesound Node 2i.  Only problem I am having is trying to determine if adding a Pro-Ject S2 DAC improved sound quality as suggested by the dealer.  I am beginning to think playing the Bluesound by itself sounds better and I am also beginning to hear the difference when playing MQA.
kenm10759's avatar
kenm10759
36 posts
 
The ProJect S2 DAC does have a different DAC chip set and does full MQA. Better, is debatable. Different, yes. Streaming via the Node 2i even if you hand over another $400 or so to your dealer, does preserve the good user interface.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mikerubin
26 posts
 
If you simply want to give another Android controller app a shot, I found that Hi-fi Cast was a better solution with Chromecast than was BubbleUPnP.  It quickly finds both servers and players and has a reasonably attractive interface.  Just a few bucks to upgrade to premium version.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Thx Mike
I will check that out as yes the Chromecast units themselves are fine just Bubbleupnp giving me fits.
More to discover