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  3. 161581-153226

Network streamer that works with Android and Pandora

Omg all I want is a way to stream the usual things like Spotify, Tidal, my flac collection but ALSO Pandora. I know Sonos can do Pandora in their app but looking at alternatives that would get me the HD audio that comes through Master quality stuff in Tidal (eliminates Sonos). I use android and wife uses ios. She can use Airplay of course but id like to be able to occasionally control pandora from my android. Is something with chromecast built in my only option? What units have these - just the Cambridge and Uniti Atom? Basically I want a network streamer that can do high quality (higher than Sonos port for example) but also do Pandora and not over dumb Bluetooth. The Cambridge Audio CXN looks good but I'd loose the future ability to add a wireless speaker in the garage or something. HEOS and Sonos are attractive for that but then Sonos won't get me the master quality stuff in Tidal that I pay for. This is tough. 
keysrawk
jrwaudio
332 posts
 
I have the Audiolab 6000N with DTS Play Fi
I use Qobus for music streaming and It's all controlled through my Samsung S10 smart phone.  The Audiolab 6000N also has a pretty good internal DAC  and Wi Fi It also won What Hi Fi streamer of the year award The cost is around $600 and for that amount of money it does a very good job! Keep in mind it has no display screen. It does have six programmable buttons. Because l control everything through my phone l don't see a need for a display.  As @melinjames mentioned, go to their website for more information as its supports the apps you mentioned plus many more
geof3
1,125 posts
 
What amp do you have?
koslekt1's avatar
koslekt1
73 posts
 
Another solid option is to have Wyred4Sound mod the sonos. The sound quality gets substantially better. Not as good as an Innuos Zenith MKII, for example, but honestly you have to sit and critically listen to hear the differences.
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
Sometimes you have to compromise to get something really good. Blue Node 2i. Or the Vault version that lets you store your CDs. $550 for the non vault. You would be giving up Pandora (the compromise) but you might be able to stream it from your phones iOS or Android. You can even get a remote to go with it. Plus, you can add more units or speakers to enjoy a multi room music system. https://holmaudio.com/bluesound/
keysrawk OP
15 posts
 
All great suggestions. Thanks everyone. It's correct that sometimes you have to compromise. I'm wondering if my compromise should be no wireless speakers in the garage/dining room and just run wires to those places. Lord knows that wires always work at least. Critical listening is done in the main room and not with Pandora, but we use Pandora constantly in the summer months with the outdoor speakers. I find it great for discovering new music and consistently playing good selections - unlike Spotify radio for example, which sure plays a lot of garbage IMO.

Last night I got into looking at Volumio on a RaspberryPi. Seems like I can stream anything to that with a DAC Hat on the Pi to provide a digital output to a real DAC and then to the stereo. https://volumio.org/

Or perhaps my compromise should be the "Master" quality tracks on Tidal, and just go with the Sonos Port. If the Volumio thing doesn't work out, I'm definitely going to have to do a compromise I think. Classic consumerism issue.
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