Inexpensive streaming amplifier


My daughter, (not an audiophile), just moved into a small apartment in Brooklyn, and we want to buy her a streaming amp to connect to apple music, and her TV for movies.  She already has a pair of (hand me down from my son) Wharfdale 10.1 (small bookshelf) speakers to sit on either side of the TV.  Any suggestions?  Thank you.

kb54

I am shocked, no one mentioned SONOS Ray or Beam soundbars. For music streaming and TV watching, I haven’t found anything better. Add one of their wireless sub later for more impactful sound.

If daughter wants to stream Apple Music and hear TV audio through a pair of Diamond 10.1s in an apartment, the right solution is a Sonos Amp, with Powernode Edge a close second. Sonos fully integrates Apple Music, where BluOS uses Airplay to play it.  Other differences are irrelevant to a “non-audiophile”. Both have eARC for TV sound, both will drive speakers fine in an apartment.  The Sonos ecosystem has some outstanding role players for future expansion to other rooms, and their record of not obsoleting gear is impressive.

If non audiophile then any non expensive integrated amp or receiver with Bluetooth or Google Chromecast will work. 

+1 for the idea of a sub-$1000 AVR that has streaming capabilities (i.e. Airplay for Apple Music). Having a few HDMI inputs would allow for growth (Blu-ray, Gaming console, Firestick, Apple TV, etc.) Even better with eArc for the TV. Heck, she might even enjoy local FM radio LOL. NYC has some great stations in various genres, and they are free.  Not a knock against the Bluesound Powernode, but as you stated, she's not an audiophile.  View her use cases through her eyes, not yours.