Streaming 101??

[Robert Brumer]

Why is there not a quality streaming only device for persons who already have a quality DAC in their system?
Seems there would be a market for this. Bluesound??
Just bought an Arcam A25 integrated which supposedly has a high quality DAC.
Was looking at the iFi Zen Stream but kept hearing about connectivity and other issues.
Even had a salesman at a very good company's website who sells it tell me it is a piece of junk.
Also told me that the Pro-Ject Box was not much better.
He and others have told me the Bluesound Node Nano would be the least expensive way to get quality.
Am I missing something?
Also saw there were a lot of issues with a very inexpensive Chinese co's device.

Is there another way to go?

 

[Golfx]

Denon and Marantz come with HEOS which communicates to the streaming servers via WiFi/Ethernet straight from the AVR. You control it via an app but the music does not stream from the app. Instead it streams from the AVR. HEOS offers Hi-res from amazon HD, Tidal, Deezer and Roon.

 

[lovinthehd]

Can't see much demand for a "tuner" only myself. The quality of the dac is rarely an issue today, but definitely its importance is overrated by "audiophiles". Lots of silliness going on around dacs. Like Golfx, I can stream to my avrs via dlna/wifi/connect type apps (Spotify direct is built into my Denon, don't even bother with Heos myself); for older avrs/2ch gear I use Audio Chromecasts to stream to, one to a dedicated dac as that's an older 2ch analog system. I generally start the streams from my laptop, phone or android pad.....they all work just fine.

IFi I think as a brand is generally overrated/overpriced. Not aware of Pro-Ject line of dacs but I don't pay attention to their record players either. Bluesound seems to get high marks for user friendly interface from what I've read. Personally I'd probably look to Wiim if I needed something like that. I'm not a fan of integrated amps outside of avrs generally due they're lacking important features (like bass management), generally not having very powerful amps and limited connectivity options at a premium price.

 

[j_garcia]

I would also recommend a Wiim and there are various levels. Which version depends on the services you are using and the device you are streaming via.

 

[carlosadar]

Why is there not a quality streaming only device for persons who already have a quality DAC in their system?
Seems there would be a market for this. Bluesound??
Just bought an Arcam A25 integrated which supposedly has a high quality DAC.
Was looking at the iFi Zen Stream but kept hearing about connectivity and other issues.
Even had a salesman at a very good company's website who sells it tell me it is a piece of junk.
Also told me that the Pro-Ject Box was not much better.
He and others have told me the Bluesound Node Nano would be the least expensive way to get quality.
Am I missing something?
Also saw there were a lot of positive experiences with iptv smarters pro on a very inexpensive Chinese co's device.

Is there another way to go?

You're not missing anything. The market for streamer-only devices is surprisingly small because most buyers want an all-in-one unit with a built-in DAC. If your Arcam already has a quality DAC, I'd focus on getting a streamer with reliable software and a good digital output. The Bluesound Node Nano is a solid choice, and the WiiM Pro is another excellent option if you only plan to use the digital output. In the long run, a stable app and dependable connectivity will make a bigger difference than the DAC that's inside the streamer.