Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio

Posted by 1974 (A) on April 5, 2025 at 08:01:06

I have been happily using a RP3 with a Digione HAT and a Shanti power supply for years, but I decided to give streamers a shot.

I first tried the Wiim Pro($219):

Worked good on bookshelf speakers in a bedroom system. The sound was awful compared to the RP setup in the living room system.

I decided to try the Wiim Ultra($329):

Definite step up in terms of SQ from the Wiim Pro, but still nowhere near what the RP could do.

So I decided to try the Bluesound Node Gen 4($499) that so many people were raving about and.....

It sounded like garbo compared to the RP setup.

One thing I have noticed when people are discussing the SQ of streamers is that it's hard to tell if they are judging it by the internal DAC or as a pure streamer to an external DAC. To be clear. All of my tests were done using either coax or optical to a Gustard X26 DAC.

I have no doubt that if stepped up to a higher dollar streamer I would get closer to what the RP setup is offering, but why would I spend that kind of money? The RP3/4, Digione, Shanti or other linear supply, and case can still be had for under $400. The $499(On sale from $549) Bluesound Node sounded like it was playing through memory foam couch cushions compared to the Digione.

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Topic - Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio - 1974 08:01:06 04/05/25 (21)

My phone as the source sounds as good as my DMP-A6 - ppopp 19:47:00 04/22/25 (0)

RE: Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio - Goober58 08:00:21 04/07/25 (0)

The Cost of a Stand-Alone Streamer .. - cawson@onetel.com 10:35:58 04/06/25 (0)

Really shows how good the Pi is - Daveslater 09:36:16 04/06/25 (0)

RE: Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio - Grinnell 09:32:57 04/06/25 (0)

I recently bought a WiiM Ultra; it provides no added value for me - Feanor 04:46:21 04/06/25 (3)

Dirty Little Secret of Streamers - Jon L 09:36:56 04/06/25 (0)

RE: I recently bought a WiiM Ultra; it provides no added value for me - Kirk57 07:19:59 04/06/25 (1)

Invest $100 or so - E-Stat 07:29:34 04/06/25 (0)

Yes. Many network streamers are way over priced - AbeCollins 15:12:21 04/05/25 (1)

RE: Yes. Many network streamers are way over priced - kh6idf 16:10:30 04/05/25 (0)

First of all... - E-Stat 13:57:57 04/05/25 (1)

RE: First of all... - mike1127 23:44:24 04/26/25 (0)

RE: Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio - Gary 13:32:29 04/05/25 (0)

I have a Wiim Pro - jedrider 10:05:29 04/05/25 (1)

RE: I have a Wiim Pro - farfetched 12:31:19 04/05/25 (0)

RE: Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio - mlsstl 09:59:39 04/05/25 (3)

RE: Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio - AbeCollins 14:53:02 04/05/25 (2)

I found your card, Abe! - chocolate_lover 16:12:49 04/05/25 (1)

RE: I found your card, Abe! - AbeCollins 21:44:58 04/05/25 (0)

RE: Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio - Leo loves music 08:16:44 04/05/25 (0)

Streamers- Probably the worst value in audio

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