Question Is WiiM still the answer?

[Fandango Andy]

What is the best streamer for under £250?

A friend has asked my advice on a budget streamer. He has a decent but dated system: Tag McLaren F3 (which I understand to be essentially am Audiolab 8000A from the '90s) and a B&W speakers, the ones with the tweeter on the funny looking 45° sloping baffle. I suggested a WiiM, but am unsure which model, or if there is something better for the budget.

I discounted the Mini (which I have) as he doesn't have a DAC, and I the one in the mini isn't great so that leaves Pro and Pro Plus.

The questions are:​

• What are the advantages of the Pro Plus over the Pro?
• Is there anything better for the money, or as good for less?
• Is it worth stretching to a Bluesound Nano?

Two other considerations, it must be compatible with Amazon, and be easy to use. He is a a bit of a technophobe, hence me posting this for him, he had his first smartphone last year at the age of 50 something!

 

[jjbomber]

I'm surprised this doesn't get more love:

S50 Pro+ Wireless Stereo Preamp With aptX HD & ESS 9023 DAC

Unbelievable price with a wireless stereo preamp integrated with WiFi, aptX HD, Airplay, Multi-room features, and ESS Sabre DAC, AKM ADC. Free Shipping from US/EU/RU warehouse.

www.arylic.com

 

[manicm]

I'm surprised this doesn't get more love:

S50 Pro+ Wireless Stereo Preamp With aptX HD & ESS 9023 DAC

Unbelievable price with a wireless stereo preamp integrated with WiFi, aptX HD, Airplay, Multi-room features, and ESS Sabre DAC, AKM ADC. Free Shipping from US/EU/RU warehouse.

www.arylic.com

Arylic always had shortfalls in the software and connectivity areas. I'd still stump up the few quid extra for a WiiM honestly.

 

[Gray]

...he had his first smartphone last year at the age of 50 something!

😱 your're joking Andy
(I only got my first (and current) smartphone about 4 years ago - and I was older than him).

For what it's worth, the Pro uses TI, Plus uses AKM DAC.
On their analogue inputs, the Plus ADC can do up to 24/192, whereas the Pro is fixed at 16/48.

I think the remote control is an option with the Pro - and included with the Plus.
I'd regard the RC as essential for your friend (even though the old dinosaur would be getting probably the best control app to use with his new phone 🦕).

(P.S. sounds like his speakers could be my old B&W CDM-1NT model)

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I used to lust after those cdm-1nt back then...I'm sure it was around the millennium......whf had a system review with a Arcam a85 and a Cyrus 8....with the B & W's on the back end....where's the time went..seems like yesterday...lol.
Thinks I was using Cambridge audio A500, amp, Marantz cd6000 ose cd player with Mission 701 speakers...at that time....less than £500.....sorry for derailing the topic...just a bit of nostalgia kicking in there.🤣