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

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.

Dayton Audio makes a device for streaming audio. The WBA31 is a bluetooth and wifi streamer. You can get them from Parts Express for $50. It has a toslink output. I am using one with my Schiit Vali/Modi Multibit for headphones in my bedroom.

I am also using two Raspberry pi/Volumio boxes on two other systems. I use usb to connect with my DAC. The software is not perfect. The Volumio box in the living room is not transmitting sound after an update. I only upgrade one at a time in case there is any problem. The other one is not playing nice with the Volumio app. I set each box with a static ip so I can use a web browser to access it. I have the DHCP set up to start at xxx.xxx.1.100 the "x"s represent whatever your router is using. One Volumio box could be set to use xxx.xxx.1.60 outside of the DHCP range. Punch that address in and you are good to go.

In my living room I sometimes cast to my smart tv. I am using toslink to my DAC. Works great and eliminates a ground loop.