Used Bluesound Node 130 (I currently own), or the new Bluesound Nano.....though I don't have any experience with it.
What is your favorite budget streamer?
Looking for a bedroom streamer. I have a DAC and headphone amp and don't need to connect speakers or even need a DAC. Your ideas for a budget streamer at $350 or less? Experience is welcome here.
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I was setting up a budget system in one of my bedrooms to utilize a pair of Polk Audio Monitor 10's that I bought new in 1988 and a Reisong A10 EL34 Integrated Amp I bought in 2020. I was only doing streaming, and after some research I went with the Audioengine B1 Streamer for $189.00 and a Schiit Audio Modi+ DAC for $129.00. I have been absolutely thrilled with the ease of use and performance of both items. These together are under your budget, and since you don't need a DAC the Audioengine B1 would be well under your budget. Hope this was helpful. |
I believe you mean the Wiim Ultra. My Wiim Pro+ does not have a USB output. It is also galvanically isolated, just like the iFi Zen Stream. The main difference is that it supports only up to 24/192 PCM and doesn’t include DSD, which isn’t a big deal for me. In addition, unlike ifi ZS, It has just one USB port, so if it’s used for local SSD/HDD storage, it can’t be used as a digital output. My point here is that Ifi ZS does not sound better than MXN10 because of the reinforced USB port. MXN10’s noise floor is as good and its preamp section outperforms both BS and wiim pro+. Initially, I intended to buy the Ultra until I learned it doesn’t support AirPlay. That is another reason leading me to choose the MXN10 instead. Someday, I might find out how the Ultra compares sonically to the MXN10 when using USB out. Until then, I’m quite pleased with the MXN10. I also encourage you to do the same some day. Take a look at reviews from Stereophile, What Hi-Fi, Darko too to name a few. |
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