Best value streaming device for conventional hi fi

[renouj21]

Dear people of hifi, I have a deceptively simple need: I have a conventional hi fi set up (Rotel RA 10 amp, CD player, turntable, Q Acoustics 3050 floor standers) and an Apple Music subscription and I want to add a streaming device so I can play Apple Music through my Rotel amp. Now I know everyone will say Bluesound Node, job done. But I don't need all that firepower. I just want to play Apple Music through my hifi. So I'm looking at the Yamaha WXAD10. That looks like a reasonable option. But then there are even cheaper options like the Arylic S10. In terms of audio quality, any reason why I shouldn't go for the Arylic?

 

[Gray]

In terms of audio quality, any reason why I shouldn't go for the Arylic?

Possibly not, but only you can judge the audio performance.
I've seen posts from happy owners of both products.
I think I'm right to say that neither has a digital output, which means you have no option to use an external DAC, but that may not be an issue for you.
Personally I like the option to use an external DAC (My streamer is a Raspberry Pi).
The S50 has digital out but is a fair bit more expensive. For your simple need, the S10 might fit the bill.

 

[robdmarsh]

Now I know everyone will say Bluesound Node, job done.

I've recently got one and definitely wouldn't agree with this. The sound is very detailed but too lean sounding imo and lacks warmth. Pretty disappointing really

 

[shipworm-archaism-recede]

Dear people of hifi, I have a deceptively simple need: I have a conventional hi fi set up (Rotel RA 10 amp, CD player, turntable, Q Acoustics 3050 floor standers) and an Apple Music subscription and I want to add a streaming device so I can play Apple Music through my Rotel amp. Now I know everyone will say Bluesound Node, job done. But I don't need all that firepower. I just want to play Apple Music through my hifi. So I'm looking at the Yamaha WXAD10. That looks like a reasonable option. But then there are even cheaper options like the Arylic S10. In terms of audio quality, any reason why I shouldn't go for the Arylic?

If your Hi-Fi is near a TV that can be connected to your stereo, an Apple TV 4K makes a wonderful streamer and turns the TV into an excellent playback control device.

 

[robdmarsh]

Then again I had a Yamaha wxc-50 and didn't like that either.

 

[TomMarr]

The setup described by @renuouj21 is very similar to my own but, as I understand it, with my very poor technical knowledge, I am seeking to make a connection in the opposite direction. I want to transmit a signal from my CDs player to remote speakers so that I can listen around the house. Will either the Yamaha WXAD 10 or the Arylic streamers do this for me?

 

[Gray]

I want to transmit a signal from my CDs player to remote speakers so that I can listen around the house. Will either the Yamaha WXAD 10 or the Arylic streamers do this for me?

Two (or more) Arylic's would do that for you Tom.
You would plug your analogue source (e.g. CD player or any selected source of a hi-fi system, using its 'tape' or 'rec' output) into the 'line in' of an S1O.
Then you would have another S10 in the remote room(s), with its 'line output' connected to an amp and speakers or powered / active speakers. The necessary connection leads are supplied.
You can send to up to 12 rooms, though they recommend a maximum of 8.

Remote amp / speakers need not be expensive.
Something like this little, surprisingly good, class D, single-input amp:

LEPY LP-2020A Amplifier : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

LEPY LP-2020A Amplifier : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

www.amazon.co.uk

and these speakers:

JBL Control 1 (Black)

Shop for JBL Control 1 Speaker Pair with Richer Sounds for a 6 Year Guarantee, expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

would do the job for under £100 all in.

This is the solution to that original thread of yours:

Can I stream my CDs from a CD player.

I have a sizeable CDs collection which I would like to be able to stream into a multiroom speaker system. Is that possible? What do I need? Any advice on good wifi/bluetooth speakers for multiroom, on a modest budget.

forums.whathifi.com

 

[renouj21]

Possibly not, but only you can judge the audio performance.
I've seen posts from happy owners of both products.
I think I'm right to say that neither has a digital output, which means you have no option to use an external DAC, but that may not be an issue for you.
Personally I like the option to use an external DAC (My streamer is a Raspberry Pi).
The S50 has digital out but is a fair bit more expensive. For your simple need, the S10 might fit the bill.

Thanks, that's helpful

 

[renouj21]

If your Hi-Fi is near a TV that can be connected to your stereo, an Apple TV 4K makes a wonderful streamer and turns the TV into an excellent playback control device.

That's an idea. Unfortunately there is a frustrating "corridor" bit of (concrete) flooring between hi fi and TV. I'll have a look though to see whether some rearrangement might be possible

 

[renouj21]

If your Hi-Fi is near a TV that can be connected to your stereo, an Apple TV 4K makes a wonderful streamer and turns the TV into an excellent playback control device.

Although looking at the spec for the Apple TV 4K, the only audio out is HDMI. Doesn't that mean I'd need an HDMI input on my hi fi amp?

 

[shipworm-archaism-recede]

Although looking at the spec for the Apple TV 4K, the only audio out is HDMI. Doesn't that mean I'd need an HDMI input on my hi fi amp?

No, you take audio from the TV. Which connections depends on the outputs on the TV and the inputs on the Hi-Fi. I do toslink to DAC then RCA to amp.

 

[Tinman1952]

No, you take audio from the TV. Which connections depends on the outputs on the TV and the inputs on the Hi-Fi. I do toslink to DAC then RCA to amp.

Or you can buy an inexpensive HDMI to SPDIF converter ( c. £20) to give you optical or coax outputs if you don't want to involve the TV. 👍

 

[renouj21]

Or you can buy an inexpensive HDMI to SPDIF converter ( c. £20) to give you optical or coax outputs if you don't want to involve the TV. 👍

Hmm, I think I have discovered a problem. My Rotel RA10 amp has no digital inputs. It does have what look to my untutored eye like RCA inputs - does that work?

 

[Tinman1952]

Hmm, I think I have discovered a problem. My Rotel RA10 amp has no digital inputs. It does have what look to my untutored eye like RCA inputs - does that work?

Yes you are right. The RA 10 does not have any digital inputs so you would need a streamer with built in DAC. I have the WXAD 10 in my bedroom and it is an excellent little device which does Airplay also.

 

[renouj21]

Ah, OK. So you use the R/L line out sockets on the WXAD 10?

 

[Tinman1952]

Ah, OK. So you use the R/L line out sockets on the WXAD 10?

That is correct. It has an excellent Burr Brown DAC inside which many rate highly.
The only 'problem' is you need an Apple device to send the Apple Music to the WXAD10 via Airplay and that device needs to be on all the time to play the music. If you have a spare iPhone, iPad or Mac then no problem.

 

[shipworm-archaism-recede]

Does your TV have audio out? If so, connect that to your amp. Likely that the TV’s DAC isn’t optimal, but it would get you started.