need recommendation - good sound from Qobuz on a budget

[Boulder Bob]

I'm trying to get my friend hooked up with a good way to stream Qobuz at his home -- I was going to recommend a Sonore Microrendu with a $500 Gustard or Topping DAC, and have him use mconnect.  It seems that the microrendu is not available.  I don't like the idea of a "streamer" with built in DAC as I like the added flexibility.

 

also probably not interested in Roon

 

What would you recommend under $1000?

 

no computers, please

[davide256]

Need a bit more info for anyone to answer that; what device is streaming Qobuz?

[DuckToller]

46 minutes ago, Boulder Bob said:

I'm trying to get my friend hooked up with a good way to stream Qobuz at his home -- I was going to recommend a Sonore Microrendu with a $500 Gustard or Topping DAC, and have him use mconnect.  It seems that the microrendu is not available.  I don't like the idea of a "streamer" with built in DAC as I like the added flexibility.

 

also probably not interested in Roon

 

What would you recommend under $1000?

 

no computers, please

Wiim pro plus, if sq not good enough,  use external DAC over digital outputs.

Best quality option on a budget.

250$ or 250$ +x

[Boulder Bob]

Need a bit more info for anyone to answer that; what device is streaming Qobuz?

 

no device yet - that's part of what is needed

 

 

[DuckToller]

Wiim pro plus is a streamer, digital transport,  DAC and ADC with wireless and ethernet network connection.

You' ll find it at Amazon and can look at a review of Darko.audio at his  YouTube channel

 

[DuckToller]

26 minutes ago, Boulder Bob said:

Need a bit more info for anyone to answer that; what device is streaming Qobuz?

 

no device yet - that's part of what is needed

 

 

Didn't you ask for that?

Why bother responding to your request if it doesn't?

[Boulder Bob]

sorry I don't know how to reply to a post on this forum

[DuckToller]

To help your understanding:

Connect the WIIM Pro plus to a network, use the qobuz credentials on the WIIM companion app, and you are all set to stream qobuz from network either through the digital output to a DAC or through analog output to your analog front end (preamp or amp).

 

To help my understanding:

Do you search for something else?

Cheers, Tom

[DuckToller]

12 minutes ago, Boulder Bob said:

sorry I don't know how to reply to a post on this forum

Just push quote and write your answer

[Boulder Bob]

35 minutes ago, DuckToller said:

Just push quote and write your answer

thanks

[davide256]

This thread might be helpful to read

www.avforums.com/threads/best-streamer-for-qobuz-node-cxn-v2-wiim-pro-mac-mini-others.2448802/

 

Looked around, tough to find a non PC solution for under $1k.

 

You can build a good NUC solution for about $600 with Windows and an annual $60 Audirvana studio subscription + Qobuz subscription

That's where I ended up after moving on from microRendu some years ago. Works very well with built in Qobuz and

iPhone Audirvana control app.

 

The iFi Zen Stream using mConnect app might also appeal, it runs $399. But the comments on using mConnect with Qobuz look

like its tricky to get to work.

 

I consider no USB port to be a non starter for a streamer  you want to connect to a DAC.

[PeterG]

Bluesound Node.  Super easy, can be upgraded with external DAC.  Like its entry-level cousins in the NAD line, a very good value-priced component

[loop7]

I second Bluesound. I use it primarily with TIDAL and radio.

 

I realize any Lenbrook product may now become controversial but I've become a real fan.

 

BluOS 4 is soon to see a GA release and it looks like a nice improvement.

[bobfa]

OR a WiiM Mini TOSLINK cable and a basic DAC with optical in would be even cheaper.