Hi-res music streaming apps and Cyrus Pre-XR

[TRIPLE A]

I have a Cyrus Pre-XR preamp on the way, and want to see if there’s a way of getting music streaming apps (preferably hi-res like Qobuz or Tidal) to run on/through it with as little cost and fuss as possible.
I have my own music files on a Synology NAS, which I’ll connect to the Cyrus via USB - choosing which files to play via Synology DS Audio app on my iPhone. Assuming that will work of course…!
But what about streaming music where I don’t have the files?
I have some other equipment that could connect to the Cyrus if needed and feasible, but I’d rather keep it simple and app based if possible:
- PC, connected to the NAS
- Astell & Kern DAP - this has a USB mode which I could use to pass the files I have on it to the Cyrus, the AK also supports Tidal which I don’t have a subscription for (yet?) - the AK also has a control app on my iPhone
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPad Pro
- MacBook Air
I’m reluctant to have any of the above be directly used if possible - fans on the PC make noise so I don’t want it on at all when playing music, and while the DAP can technically be used as a streamer it’s pretty flaky over wi-fi, finally I’d rather not have to ‘use up’ one of my Apple devices unless as a remote/app controller.
Related and to confirm - the only way of getting files into the Cyrus is through its USB B port - it doesn't have a wired network port let alone a wi-fi antenna. (Side note: any audiophile pre-amp ought to have at least one set of XLR inputs… but here we are with their half-sized cases lol.)

Solution…
Plex? Mconnect? Synology app? I’m open to picking up a USB box or adapter or two if really needed, though I’m loathe to get another ‘big’ box if it can be helped. And I’m certainly not getting a Roon box + subscription.

Given it seems that I’m super close to a fix by having a NAS, it’s frustrating to think that I might have to get a streamer box unless I’m reading too much into it. Paying for an extra DAC etc. that I’m not going to use. Bastard hi-fi device manufacturers. My Yamaha AV receiver will take in pretty much everything (apart from Apple Music)!

Many thanks all

 

[skinnypuppy71]

Unfortunately your probably going to need some sort of streaming box....you can't really go wrong with one of the Wiim streamers....I'd go with the pro plus version as it has a few features the lesser units don't and if you want album art it'll be the Wiim ultra..cracking wee boxes for not too much outlay....just make sure you use the digital out into the Cyrus as I'm pretty sure it'll have a superior dac section than the Wiim.

 

[TRIPLE A]

Unfortunately your probably going to need some sort of streaming box....you can't really go wrong with one of the Wiim streamers....I'd go with the pro plus version as it has a few features the lesser units don't and if you want album art it'll be the Wiim ultra..cracking wee boxes for not too much outlay....just make sure you use the digital out into the Cyrus as I'm pretty sure it'll have a superior dac section than the Wiim.

Thanks for this. Yeah the more I read into this the more it looks like I’ll need a streamer box, perhaps even to get files off my NAS because the Pre-XR isn’t UPnP compliant?
Does the WiiM support DSD?
I need DSD support more than a DAC that I wouldn’t use

 

[skinnypuppy71]

Apparently all wiim streamers apart from the mini support dsd...if you want a streaming transport it'll probably cost more than any of the Wiim products... primare have the prisma np5, and hifi Rose if you want to get towards the more premium segment of the market...but personally I have heard good things about the sotm sms-200 neo group of transport only devices....elite audio in the North east of Scotland are dealers of SOtM kit.