Looking for a basic streamer without a DAC, preamp, storage and all that

Some interesting ideas I hadn’t heard of before. Thanks, gents!

I’d been thinking of the Node 2i but was wondering if there was something that had the same streaming functionality but minus a DAC because I thought that might save some $.

I had been looking into RPi based solutions but have also come across lots of folks saying (on the internet anyway) that the software can be a PITA to make work.

After watching some Darko stuff, I was thinking of an Allo DigiOne or USBridge but got hung up after reading about software problems.

Like I said, I really only need to stream some Tidal and maybe other services to one fixed location. I don’t need multiroom streaming and I’ll never get around to ripping my CDs or vinyl to digital. I just don’t have the time or inclination.

My DAC is a Schiit Bifrost 2 with all the fancy inputs and balanced outs so maybe a Node 2i or Magna is the way to go.......

I have a stack audio streamer it serves the purpose

The Node 2i has digital outs so it's easy to bypass its DAC.  It's a good streamer and provides access to all kinds of services.  The BluOs app is a really good basic one.  Works flawlessly.  I don't think there's much out there for less than $500.

I use a Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra; works fine and accomplishes exactly what you describe.  

Can you point to one very good resource for this?  Do any of the software options support high quality synchronization between multiple units?  I have some rare free time for a pet project I want to tackle.

mlsstl852 posts11-17-2020 9:01pmWhy don't you go the Raspberry Pi route? With a Rpi 4B you can get good quality USB output or add a HAT card and get SPDIF coax or optical output. You have a number of operating system options available and you can put the whole thing together for $100 or so. You can gussy them up with linear power supplies for just a bit more.