Beginner in the Audiophile World – Looking for Streamer & Streaming Service Advice

Hi everyone,

 

First of all, thank you for this amazing community. It’s really encouraging for someone like me—still a total newbie in the audio world—to have a place to learn and ask questions.

 

I’ve recently managed to put together the system below, and I currently use Spotify from my iPhone connected via Bluetooth to my DAC. I know it’s far from ideal, and after reading a bit, I’d really like to explore the potential improvements I could get from using a proper streamer, wired to my DAC.

 

So here’s my main question:

– Which streaming service would you recommend (if Spotify isn’t enough)?

– And which streamer should I consider buying on the used market (Portugal or Spain)?

 

From my research, I’ve found options like the Lumin U1 Mini, Holo Red, and iFi Neo Stream—each seems to have strengths in sound quality, dynamics, and user interface.

I also came across some others like the Volumio Rivo, Pro-Ject Stream Box DS2 T, NP5 Prisma (MK1), and MOON 180 MiND.

 

Some are easier to find used than others here locally, and price is definitely something I need to be mindful of—this hobby is addictive, and I’ve already stretched my budget a bit!

 

My current setup:

 

• DAC: Topping D90SE
• Headphone Amp: Topping A90 Discrete
• Headphones: Audeze LCD-3
• Tone Control: Schiit Lokius
• Interconnects: AudioQuest Red River

 

 

Incoming gear:

 

• Power Amp: Topping LA90 Discrete
• Speakers: Amphion Argon2 Anniversary Edition (cherry)
• Speaker Cables: MIT eXP

 

 

Would really appreciate your advice and experiences, especially from anyone who’s made a similar jump from Bluetooth/Spotify to a wired streaming setup.

 

Thanks in advance, looking forward to learning from you all!