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:
Incoming gear:
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!
I was unaware of this; this is very cool -- thanks for mentioning it. I just wish it would work for linux (I have Roon and HQPlayer both running on an Ubuntu instance). |
I have heard Wiim Ultra/ Qobuz combo ... it's astonishing at the price ... Read the Darko and Steve Huff reviews: https://darko.audio/2024/09/this-is-the-best-%F0%9F%98%9C-wiim-ultra-review/ https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2024/07/19/the-wiim-ultra-review-unreal-hifi-value-for-real/
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Hi guys, After reading all your posts (thank you!) and doing a ton of research, I’ve narrowed it down to two options:
I’d love to go for something even higher up the ladder, but honestly, that’s over budget right now… mainly because I went a bit crazy (zero regrets!) when I fell in love at first sight with the Amphion Argon2 Cherry. They sound absolutely amazing — clear, tight, and the bass is just right for my room and taste.
Still debating which direction to take — any final thoughts or votes from you guys would be appreciated! |
Spending extra on speakers you love was the right choice to make. It will be easy enough to upgrade your electronics later, at your leisure. Of all the suggestions that were made the Holo Red with HQPlayer would have been my pick, but your two finalists are both fine choices. Honestly, go for the one whose features and software you like best because I doubt you’ll hear very significant differences in sound quality between the two. But definitely ditch Spotify 😂 |
. If you use NAA, you can do the same and there is no need for 2 streamers.