Any products like this out there?

[JCanada]

I am looking for a music streamer/player to connect to my smart TV. This unit should have an HDMI OUT connection or the ability to allow the listener to interface on the smart TV screen with the streamer/player remote. I found one from Cocktail Audio, but I am not sure if the unit allows an interface on the smart TV screen, or if the unit's HDMI OUT just displays what is on the unit's small front screen. I would like to use the players remote, and interface on the smart TV screen. I am not looking for an "all in one amp." I will use my own separate amplifier.
Anyhow, I ask if anyone knows if there are players like this out there.
Cheers.

 

[everettT]

I am looking for a music streamer/player to connect to my smart TV. This unit should have an HDMI OUT connection or the ability to allow the listener to interface on the smart TV screen with the streamer/player remote. I found one from Cocktail Audio, but I am not sure if the unit allows an interface on the smart TV screen, or if the unit's HDMI OUT just displays what is on the unit's small front screen. I would like to use the players remote, and interface on the smart TV screen. I am not looking for an "all in one amp." I will use my own separate amplifier.
Anyhow, I ask if anyone knows if there are players like this out there.
Cheers.

You'll find that most that streamers that HDMI is for input via ARC and rely on their app for control other than the front panel if available. You can setup a Roon network but the streaming options are Tidal, KKbox, and Quobuz.

The best option without HDMI out is the WiiM Ultra, it's roon ready and has all the popular streaming networks available, has excellent connectivity for use as a preamp, and measures very well.

WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Ultra network streamer, DAC, phono stage and preamplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $329. Physical attribute are modern and attractive enough. Alas, I can't say the same thing about the graphical interface. Icons seem...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[JCanada]

You'll find that most that streamers that HDMI is for input via ARC and rely on their app for control other than the front panel if available. You can setup a Roon network but the streaming options are Tidal, KKbox, and Quobuz.

The best option without HDMI out is the WiiM Ultra, it's roon ready and has all the popular streaming networks available, has excellent connectivity for use as a preamp, and measures very well.

WiiM Ultra Streamer Preamp Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the WiiM Ultra network streamer, DAC, phono stage and preamplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $329. Physical attribute are modern and attractive enough. Alas, I can't say the same thing about the graphical interface. Icons seem...

www.audiosciencereview.com

2 questions. When it comes to streaming music apps like Spotify, SiriusXM, Deeezer, YouTube: Is the WiiM Ultra just another version of a ROKU?

I still do not understand what ROON does. Can you break it down? How would a subscription to ROON help me when i listen to Spotify, SiriusXM, Deeezer, YouTube?

 

[lovinthehd]

Why not just use streamers from the tv rather than connect an external unit to it? Why use a tv as a switching center/source at all?

 

[snakeeyes]

Not sure you considered trying Apple TV 4K since it’s cd quality and Atmos surround for a lot of songs and Apple Music is simple. It’s 48/24 so it’s decent. Some will want higher specs but unless you have golden ears it likely won’t matter. I’m mostly interested in Atmos because I have a 5.1.4 system. I upmix 2 ch with DSU as well

Having 2 streamers works ok if you connect them both HDMI via the AVR. I’m not sure on connecting both via the TV if that would work well too but may work. I’m using Firestick for TV apps and Apple TV 4K for Apple music. I just press home button on remotes to switch back and forth.

The Apple TV remote takes a little time to get used to. The current gen remote is much better than the old one. My GF still won’t use it. LOL.

 

[Trebdp83]

2 questions. When it comes to streaming music apps like Spotify, SiriusXM, Deeezer, YouTube: Is the WiiM Ultra just another version of a ROKU?

I still do not understand what ROON does. Can you break it down? How would a subscription to ROON help me when i listen to Spotify, SiriusXM, Deeezer, YouTube?

Roon is a software that one downloads to a Mac/PC that manages music downloads and streaming services to be served up to compatible devices on a network. It would be of no help to you and your chosen music streaming services.

The Wiim has no HDMI port for video output to a TV/Monitor and is managed from an app in a Smart device. Based on your selected services and other requirements for your systems, I’d still recommend the Nvidia Shield TV Pro as I have already done in your other thread.

 

[JCanada]

Roon is a software that one downloads to a Mac/PC that manages music downloads and streaming services to be served up to compatible devices on a network. It would be of no help to you and your chosen music streaming services.

The Wiim has no HDMI port for video output to a TV/Monitor and is managed from an app in a Smart device. Based on your selected services and other requirements for your systems, I’d still recommend the Nvidia Shield TV Pro as I have already done in your other thread.

Right on. Thanks.

 

[JCanada]

Why not just use streamers from the tv rather than connect an external unit to it? Why use a tv as a switching center/source at all?

Agreed. I do use the native Spotify, SiriusXM apps, and YouTube from my TV.
I had initially thought that dedicated music streamers/players did a "better job" and sent a better digital signal than the TV or a ROKU. After I read a few replies on this thread, I have been educated, and I now realize it is a bit of audio "Tom-Foolery." Not 100%, but maybe a bit.

 

[everettT]

2 questions. When it comes to streaming music apps like Spotify, SiriusXM, Deeezer, YouTube: Is the WiiM Ultra just another version of a ROKU?

I still do not understand what ROON does. Can you break it down? How would a subscription to ROON help me when i listen to Spotify, SiriusXM, Deeezer, YouTube?

Roon is primarily for your music collection while offering streaming services. Roon also has a powerful DSP and other features that probably won't interest you. As @lovinthehd said, if all you're doing is streaming Roon probably isn't for you as you have other devices that will stream. If you're considering roon I suggest you read through their forums before purchasing the software as it isn't cheap and you need a PC.

The WiiM products are roon ready, but they handle all the streaming services without Roon, including your personal library, has a nice set of EQ options, easily setup for home networks of their devices, and some of their products have built in amplification making it simple for setting up the other rooms.

I'd start with setting up your core system and see what you think you're lacking.