Which streamer for my DAC?

[alcarmichael]

I’m going to get back in to streaming again. I’ve previously used a Cambridge Audio Stream Magic with Spotify Connect but sold it some years ago as I needed rack space.

I have an M2Tech Young DAC (the original and prettiest one) so getting something like a Mac Mini is out as the Apple OS isn’t compatible. I fully expect a Raspberry Pi to be recommended but I know very little about them other than that there are several variants. I also know that there are other brands of PC which do the same thing. Any of you PC experts like to suggest which one is best suited for audio for my requirements?

Thanks,
Alex

[ReggieB]

My Moon 180 Mind (https://www.hifiwigwam.com/moon-180-mind-network-streamer-review/) worked well with the M2Tech Young DAC I had a couple of years ago. It supports Deezer, Qobuz, and Tidal, though I use mine almost exclusively to stream files from NAS boxes on my network. It can be upgraded to support Mind 2 (though I haven't done this myself .... yet). They turn up regularly on ebay for around £400 (https://ebay.us/QaGc1I).

[alcarmichael]

I don’t think they do Spotify do they?

I must admit I haven’t tried Tidal, Quboz or Deezer. Only Spotify and Apple Music, the usability of Spotify Connect was far superior.

[struth]

Much of this comes down to how you wish to arrange it. Pc laptop to dac gives good software options. Going for a pi will work but needs a bit of software too and a controller like a tablet.
Using spotty is fine, although quality isn't as good, it does have a good control system.
The 2 main pc softwares, audirvana and roon can incorporate tidal and qobuz. None do spotty

[alcarmichael]

I was very impressed with the sound Spotify produced on the Stream Magic. It was a LOT better than I was expecting. At this moment my preference would be to go back to Spotify. I will control with an iPad.

[struth]

Mikey b uses spotty so might be able to help
Pretty sure an rpi will do it but might need programming

[alcarmichael]

I’m not the most literate when it comes to PC’s but I’m sure there’s enough help and guidance out there to get me through it if needed!

[mikeyb]

Mikey b uses spotty so might be able to help
Pretty sure an rpi will do it but might need programming

I do, and Qobuz via Roon now too.

I’ll give a fuller answer for Al tomorrow as to how I would do it.

What’s the budget?

[alcarmichael]

I hadn’t really thought about a budget. Let’s say £300.

[gizze]

Spotify sounds terrible vs Tidal and Qobuz.

Even my wife who has zero interest in these things could tell which was the Spotify version last night when we were testing Tidal vs Qobuz vs Spotify. Tidal vs Qobuz is very close, but Spotify was obvious.


I use Volumio now, £20 a year. It will allow you to use most usb DACs, lots of Pi Dacs etc. and control local music, web radio, spotify, Tidal and Qobuz.

Have a look into it. £35 for a Pi, plug it into your Dac and you're away.


https://forum.volumio.org/m2tech-hiface-dac-t7248.html

[alcarmichael]

I’m genuinely very happy with the quality of Spotify and I love the usability of the App. It is for background music as for listening proper I will play vinyl.

Thanks for posting the link though, looks like the clarification is there that I can use a Pi with my DAC. I’m not entirely sure what Volumio is though, is that an operating system which I would use rather than Windows/Linux?

[Made in 1968]

I’m going to get back in to streaming again. I’ve previously used a Cambridge Audio Stream Magic with Spotify Connect but sold it some years ago as I needed rack space.

I have an M2Tech Young DAC (the original and prettiest one) so getting something like a Mac Mini is out as the Apple OS isn’t compatible. I fully expect a Raspberry Pi to be recommended but I know very little about them other than that there are several variants. I also know that there are other brands of PC which do the same thing. Any of you PC experts like to suggest which one is best suited for audio for my requirements?

Thanks,
Alex

Ive been using the original HRT Music Streamer for over 10 years now. I got mine before they were available here..

[struth]

Had a couple of hrt's too years ago, were decent units.