Expensive vs Cheap Music Streamers. My Experience...

[@b30sail]

I'm a little disappointed that this was a dac comparison rather than a streamer comparison. Most of us realize dacs make a substantial differance. I'd really like a comparison of all 3 streamers hooked up to a good external dac with an unaltered (no eq) digital signal.

[@everettedl]

This was my thought too and why I watched the video. I'm really curious if the streaming only parts of these three make any differences.

[@BMWBuilds]

I get it but no one would buy these and use them in that way, so sort of a moot point don’t you think?

[@nicolasmiller1915]

@@BMWBuilds exactly, part of what you’re paying for is the DAC, why wouldn’t that be part of the comparison

[@Avruthlelbh]

@@everettedl The only difference between streamers when it comes to sound quality comes in the form of noise and jitter. As long as you avoid optical connections like the plague, jitter isn't terrible on most streamers (although I'd recommend I2S if you can use it). Beyond that, there's virtually no difference, and features are basically the only thing to care about, assuming you're hooking up to an external DAC and Amp.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

@@b30sail The raw data stream is the same from all streamers so there's not going to be any difference. Don't let anyone tell you that the streamer itself will affect the sound because it is nonsense. Everything from the DAC to your ear can and will affect the sound.

[@jonathanmiller2939]

Feels like a new year a new POV - the Wiim is now 'whatever' - after being your product of the year.

[@jungtarcph]

yeah, we should compare the "streaming part". Use Geschelli top speed DAC for all and test the Wiim Pro against the other ones. Maybe even add a LPS to the Wiim.

[@mikecampbell5856]

I'm so happy with my Wiim Mini and my Schiit Modi 3+ DACS. I can control my Mini with my Alexa and Amazon Music and just do a playlist. No stress, no trying to get the last tiny bit of audio detail. Just listening to music.

[@davidjudd951]

I picked up the WiiM Pro Plus within the last year. I absolutely love it. Other than the rebuild of the two speakers, it's addition, is easily the biggest difference in sound. Incredible, smooth sound. Excellent interface for adjusting the sound also.

[@mikecampbell5856]

@@davidjudd951 And for an old guy like me, an easy to use interface.

[@upper90football_]

Would love to see a blind test comparing the sound with and without the “re-clocker”. That would be a really cool video to see.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

LOL, yes. Just as much fun as the old 'edge of CD painted green vs. normal CD' test.

[@pd5338]

With the Ultra, I’d nail it every time. So easy to hear. What ever the naysayers say, Randy was/is 100% right this time…

[@christianholmstedt8770]

@@pd5338 Let's do a true ABX test on that.

[@Avruthlelbh]

Jitter is easier to detect than even distortion to the human ear. It's pretty well-documented at this point. It'd be a pretty boring video, cause it'd be painfully easy. This isn't like cables where they're carrying exactly the same signal (thus making no difference). The signal is truly measurably different, and to simply ignore undeniable proof and say "Nah, inaudible" is just as unscientific as the people screaming to the mountaintops that their $5000 cable sounds oh-so-totally better despite there being no measurable difference between a free cable that comes with some $20 IEMs.

[@scotthanson4710]

I don’t care what DAC may or may not be in a streamer as I’m using a Denafrips Pontus 15th for DAC duties. I recently upgraded from a Bluesound Node to a PS Audio Airlens for streaming duties and EVERY aspect of sound quality improved remarkably. Yes, as long as your system is capable of revealing the differences, streamer performance is definitely a thing.

[@rosswarren436]

Perhaps, but I want to know WHY that is so. I'm a natural skeptic, but not a flat Earther. My understanding is that just like reading the data from a CD or hard drive, all streamers should be outputting the same data set. And good DACs do their own reclocking if connected via an asynchronous connection like USB, and the settings are set correctly. So, why in your case is the PS Audio Airlens feeding your Pontus 15th sounding better than the BS Node doing the same (assuming you had them connected the same way)?

[@michaelwright1602]

Randy, you are comparing the DACs in the streamers. How about a comparison with say, the Geshelli Dayzee DAC? Run these three streamers through the Dayzee and tell us what you are hearing. I believe that would be a more honest to the headline comparison. And completely agree on the clocking, and the Android, love my Ultras, and my hotrod Volumio Rivo. . ;-)

[@earthoid]

I really like your comments on these 3 streamers. You answered my questions about how they really sound and what the differences are. Thanks!

[@jeffreyfreel9079]

I tried the smsl po100 reclocking trick with my Wiim Ultra and it totally robbed all of the energy and excitement from the music. I did add a Fiio r2r DAC with my ultra and that really created an impressive soundstage. I'm under $450 with amazing sound for a digital streamer with great connectivity. Thanks for the advice cam.

[@Shadepariah]

I put volumio on a raspberry pi zero and put it in developer mode and side-loaded a jellyfin plugin. Put an audio hat on the pi and hooked it up to my receiver. Now I can just play music with my phone as my remote. Total of like $75 with a case.

[@robertldcarlson]

Whaaaaaat? Way more work than I want to do. Glad you enjoy it.

[@alexanderwagner9524]

thank you for this comment. i will definitely look into that.

[@AEFisch]

To the digital question, clocking matters with ancient tech optical and coax, but USB/HDMI do not use clocks. They buffer and check the data as it is transferred. So when you inputed the USB into the device and output with an Optical, you either fixed or introduced jitter /timing. Connect any streamer to your favorite DAC with USB and then the sound is only from the amplifier and speakers as the DAC, will output the same analog regardless and timing /jitter won't exist.

[@ilianstoimenov6619]

An Eversolo and a Bluesound are a must in such comparisons.

[@Smfins]

I like both of them, but I sold them once I bought a WiiM ultra. The others just aren’t worth the extra $$$ for me.

[@Ruger62]

These units have been reviewed to death.

[@ilianstoimenov6619]

@@Ruger62 They all were, I agree, but when comparing they provide price and quality level

[@davidjudd951]

A friend of mine has one. I haven't heard it, but he swears by it.

[@SixStringHarmonies]

I gotta say - the Wiim Mini with a Cambridge DacMagic+ has been pretty surprising.

[@johnpischedda6951]

For sure Wiim mini into your favourite DAC you can't go wrong ! I'd only upgrade to a Wiim pro to get coaxial out as the mini only has optical out if needed. These boxes with screens look great but i'm not convinced the SQ difference if any is worth the expenditure. Besides I would rather just simply upgrade my Dac and keep the Wiim.

[@arturomartinez3354]

My question is if the differences in quality are result of the DAC and not the "pure" streaming function. Some of your audience (I am quite sure), have already very good DACs. So having a streaming without DAC, is a more interesting option.

[@williammitchell3271]

I'm surprised you didn't plug in a Geshelli DAC with the WiiM before you kind of ruled it out. The DAC/streamer combo might be clearly less than the Cambridge units, but there is more than one way to skin this cat.

[@Kitsaplorax]

I was going to ask Randy this very question on Patrreon. I would like to get his take on the cost/benefits comparison.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@Kitsaplorax with the J3 4499 I think you’ll get equivalent soundstage and definition. You can also upgrade the op amps and the power supply. You’ll be coming in at a higher price than the Cxn but have more sonic options and connectivity options

[@terrymartin7485]

Thanks

[@Kitsaplorax]

​@@cheapaudiomanThanks. I have the WiiM Pro (?) for 150 and bad computer speakers. Real speakers and an amp are next. Then maybe a better DAC?

[@jungtarcph]

You don't have a dac yet 😉🤔 so yes!

[@jimx1169]

I appreciate that Cambridge has the inputs labeled upside-down to make it easier to make the connections correctly. Also fun to see the Schiit Kara in your stack. I swapped out a Freya S for Kara and I appreciate the difference in SQ. Some might still prefer the Freya which is cool. So back to the topic. Ease of use should be at the top of the list when shopping for a streamer. A friend just bought a cheap streamer that he HATES because of the user interface. Thanks for the review!

[@danielbal5272]

My comment is the same as @b30sail. I wanted to see a streamer comparison and not a DAC comparison. If you play all streamers through the same external DAC, do they sound different?

[@SaintKimbo]

Depends who's paying you.

[@AEFisch]

They should not if you used USB or HDMI or even wifi (not Bluetooth) into the DAC, only optical/coax has the potential for clocking issues

[@2003rubi]

Great timing. I've been looking into these options just this week. Even these exact models!

[@WireHedd]

Lookin' slick with the cut and trim Randy. Wiim minis and Alexa pucks thru the house so I'm good with streaming. The Cambridge EXN still tickles an urge tho.

[@istevens78]

I'd love to see a comparison of the Cambridge CXN100 and EXN100 to their lower end MXN100 or AXN100 (same thing, different chassis)

[@angrygoose74]

@@istevens78 I was about to ask the same. Would like to see how the MXN/AXN compare to those.

[@robertgruber982]

I think the room correction/EQ of the WiiM is getting a little underplayed here. It makes such an audible difference in actual output sound that I would venture it dwarfs the relatively minor difference between DAC chips among the 3. I run my Ultra through an external dac which retains the room correction and it sounds really good. Even the phono input of the WiiM, which is nothing special, benefits from the room correction and ability to boost the signal a bit so the end product from the speakers sounds great. I'm tempted to try the re-clocker although I'm skeptical of the science behind it. Can't say enough good things about the WiiM.

[@StanBlum]

I just bought the CA MXN10. It sounds great! but I was disappointed to find out that it doesn't have volume control when the digital outputs are being used. You must use the internal DAC and preamp to get volume control. Luckily, the analog outs sound pretty good, too. Better than my other streamers, the Allo DigiOne (on a Raspberry Pi) and the Wiim Pro. I'm also finding the StreamMagic interface to be less efficient than others (Wiim, Mo0deAudio); e.g., no way to add album to queue with one click -- must add each track individually. WTF? Maybe I'm missing something, but I haven't found the secret yet.

[@LarryNiles-t1d]

Too much DAC discusssion, do they sound different? Most of us use our own DAC.......

[@Brian_Romska]

Nice, thanks Randy, go get rid of that cold? or whatever u got 🤧🤒

[@brucetimmerman7092]

Hey! Curious why you didn't use the blue sound node in your streamer comparison!

[@richardpeters2193]

Bluesound Node Icon is coming with a screen at $1000. Hope you get it!😊

[@JR-ho5qm]

I’m hoping as well. Hopefully he never burned his bridges with Bluesound 🤞🏼

[@theonlyegg]

You do not sound good, dude. Everything ok?

[@AudioNaut93]

He sounds normal to me.

[@forbiddencue1101]

Sounds rough to me​@@AudioNaut93

[@AudioNaut93]

@ 👍

[@davidjudd951]

A little congestion.

[@18yearsoldnot]

Quit projecting. It’s called winter

[@kirchgoens]

I’m committed to Wiim because it also allowed me to replace my unreliable HEOS multiroom sound. If Cambridge or other higher end companies used even partial Wiim firmware to give me multiroom, I’d upgrade.

[@colinjames7765]

Any chance Cambridge adds Amazon had to their service? It’s weird they don’t have it, when all their competition does.

[@PhilOrmsby]

They lost a sale to me because of that

[@JayGradyAustin]

I grabbed a Marantz ND8006 CD/Streamer combo a few years ago and it’s been great. Best of both worlds.

[@williammccarthy3597]

Here's a crazy question. If you use the WiiM with the reclocker, do you lose the EQ and room correction feature on the WiiM? Also if you were to use the USB from the WiiM to the advanced Paris A10 classic, would it be reclocked?

[@pd5338]

EQ and room correction still work when using the SMSL PO100 Pro

[@LarcR]

I have a Denon receiver with a built-in streamer and also have streaming capabilities on my computers that all have separate amps and DACs. So no need for any standalone streamer. Besides, I'd rather listen to my CDs.

[@wtcwtc9861]

I hope you can get your mitts on the new Fii0 S15 streamer. I'm curious how it stacks up against the CXN for the same money.

[@rosswarren436]

As others have noted, what many of us want to know is "since digital is supposed to be digital" what differences there would be when using each of these streamers (and throw in the new Bluesound NODE N132) feeding an external DAC via USB and making the settings such that the clock in the DAC is doing the driving, not the clock in the streamers? In this case, what differences would there be in sound quality - and why? Why do some on Audiogon buy $4K streamers (Lumin, Innuos, or Auralic) to feed a $10K DAC? If you fed that same $10K DAC with a WiiM Ultra, would it sound inferior? If it is sending the same data, why?

[@Surreyg]

I think you will find that Chromecast streams direct from the internet once you have chosen the content on your device and ‘cast’ that content. I.e. once Chromecast knows what you want to hear it goes direct from your router to the Chromecast device NOT through your phone. So it is very different from Bluetooth and has a higher sound quality.

[@jaynunes2501]

We are really just comparing the DACs here. You could drop down to the WIIM plus and dump $500 into a fantastic DAC and still save a boatload of money over either of the Cambridge soundwork streamers. What am I getting for my extra $1300 besides a better DAC?

[@PhilOrmsby]

Correct. My Wiim Pro into my fully loaded J2S DAC is indistinguishable from my Ultra, other than the Ultra has USB and that does sound noticeably better than either optical or coax.

[@ThinkingBetter]

Ideally, when streaming lossless PCM, the streamer has no sound to it and the DAC Is the first place in the signal chain where audio fidelity can become an issue. Some streamers are introducing sample rate conversion even it is not needed to maintain a constant output sample rate. Rather, your DAC should always run on the native PCM sample rate of the stream being played.

[@JohnScheppler]

BluOS streamer option, which was left out I personally I think is the best platform with WiiM / 4Stream being second because of the streaming sources. Now, just need better performing hardware devices like Cambridge.

[@DavidHamby-ORF-48]

Ess DACs have numerous configuration settings that affect the sound. Jason talked about this following the AKM fire. Two devices can sound very different depending on the settings used.

[@mattstandiford3770]

I run an ultra connected through USB to Schiit Bifrost. To a MP-701 MK3 preamp to a first watt f7 clone powering Tekton Lores. One of the biggest improvements to clarity I have done is putting in media converters ahead of the streamer that convert the Ethernet to fiber optic and back to Ethernet for a short run into the ultra. I do use an IFI power X supply for the last media convertor in the chain The system sound went from holographic to 3 dimensional. When it comes to digital, noise reduction through galvanic isolation and clean power supply is just as important as clocking.

[@dewittfiala5021]

you can run the streamer to the amp directly, which would expose the differences in the onboard Dac capability. I guess I don't understand the "pre amp" vs "dac" part ?

[@SaintKimbo]

Yes, but that's the issue, most streamers have the option to send out the digital signal to an external DAC, the question is, do you buy an expensive Streamer and use it as an 'all in one ' solution, or do you buy a cheap Streamer and partner it with a great DAC for the same, or even better, results ?

[@billpeirce7]

I saw the Geshelli DAC sitting there in your intro not being used. I bought a couple of these because of the reviewers raves (including this channel). They have issues. If you lose power at your house, these things come back on with the restored power and stay on. Unless you’re home to turn it off, they sit there and get warm. Why would they not default to “off” when they lose power? Second, the setting get screwed up sometimes. It’s so frustrating tuning the DAC on and it’s not working because you didn’t push the silly buttons right.

[@joshblank1]

I have a computer, DAC, and amp. I don’t see any benefit to a streamer, in cases like mine. Am I wrong?

[@stehlik]

Depends. If you realize you don’t want the computer on all the time, you might have a use case. If only for electricity’s sake..

[@christianholmstedt8770]

No.

[@grewblet]

You are not wrong. I like having a streamer because when I am doing dedicated music listening I can have my PC off, and eliminate the fan noise.

[@SaintKimbo]

Just don't go to a good stereo shop and listen to an expensive Streaming set up, and you'll be OK.

[@joshblank1]

@@SaintKimbo interesting, you’re the only one saying it makes a difference in sound quality

[@Matwiej19]

Think would be amazing of we could get the opinion on Dedicated streamer vs Heos or other Streaming services on Amps via the phone. ?

[@gaza4543]

That bit about the phone dude you have slightly wrong I think unless I miss understood. Your phone actually has the upper hand as it has apps to speak directly to all the services a most streamers can’t do that, airplay and what not doesn’t come into it with a wired usb connection into a dac. Most streamers can be used as dacs these days, it very rare now just to have a standalone streamer those are the biggest con in hifi and people cottoned on to that pretty quickly.

[@mytglg6uh]

Been experimenting with streaming for first time... Using a little Wiim Ultra feeding a Rockna Wavedream Reference DAC... Beautiful sounding for a beginner class, entry level streamer.

[@aznsensation44]

what if you pay more than double the EXN 100 for the Naim Uniti Atom? is that worth it? lol

[@ognewb]

I wish people that make streamers make them with no screen. It will sound better and it’s not needed if you sit more than 5’ from it. Also, looking forward to the Schiit products you mentioned. Hopefully a review of them is coming!

[@crimlarksSteve]

Check out the Cambridge MXN10 - no screen and currently priced at $399 (marked down from $499). Getting good reviews...

[@PhilOrmsby]

The Wiim Mini, Wiim Pro and Wiim Pro Plus don't have screens....

[@Geraldb6969]

I enjoy your videos, and I only haven't purchased the Cambridge streamers cause I also want a Dac amp...enter the new Bluesound Node Icon. Please do a comparison if you get the chance. And keep up the good work! BTW apparently Bluesound app is quite pleasing. Looking forward to your thoughts.

[@myfreakyvalentine]

I use the computer and actually, you don't need to "typey type on the computer to bring up your favourite song" - it's literally just scrolling and clicking the mouse on TIDAL or from the hard drive.

[@AllAccessConstruction]

I have a home theater set up can this be integrated into this or is this just a whole nother setup.. Also I have all my music on you tube music will it work for that? Newbie to the streamer world.. I

[@jgsburnett9532]

It would be less confusing and more useful if these devices were re-named. For example 'Streamer dac' for the type reviewed here and 'Streamer Transport' for those without an in built Dac. There are actually quite a lot of Streamer Transports on the market including those from Bluesound, Primare and Volumio among others.

[@aapnootmies1007]

“Matter” is that new home automation protocol or not ?

[@francescotenti193]

I'm not there yet, mentally speaking. Most of my music listening is by playing vinyl, sometimes CD's, streaming only by using apps, Amazon, Pandora and Spotify, on smart TV's connected to sound systems. I did try the Wiim Mini, but it stopped playing after 1 song and so I sent it back, did not get another one. Maybe I'm missing out by not getting involved in steaming at a higher level, but I love physical media too much and not completely depending on 3rd party systems to listen to my favorite tunes. Maybe one day, who knows!

[@martinmiller7623]

Golden ears are learned sonar man lol

[@rayc4517]

This is interesting. I just use old cell phones for music streaming, I wire the headphone output from the phone into my amp. I'm not as critical a listener as you, but I'm happy with the results. I wonder what kind of DACs phones use?

[@linergun]

You sound like the last time I had a whiskey night…

[@TheNightPortal]

Chromcast does not stream from the phone to the device. The device always does the streaming. Why does no one understand this.

[@PaulBlamey]

The only exception is when you are casting the screen of the device.

[@stephenc6648]

Also, many people think it's only for Android. Most iOS music and radio apps support Chromecast.

[@TheNightPortal]

@@PaulBlamey that is Mirror Cast, completely different technology, I don't use that ever, not sure many do.

[@TheNightPortal]

@@stephenc6648 i did not know that, but then again, I have never owned an IOS device.

[@hattorihanzo2814]

You had me at Tambourine sizzle! EXN for the win.

[@Feliciano12v]

I'm satisfied with WiiM pro and Ares II DAC. 👍

[@markparker7778]

Good afternoon and thank you for yet another greatly informative video. Your content always Rocks as do the "ROCKTOPUS" mugs.... love them. Hope you shake of that nagging cold soon. All the best!🎶🐙🎵

[@TheSFFV]

I would really like for you to try the PO100. I know you tried the PO100 Pro already.

[@JWForce1059]

I've been wondering this for some time. Probably sticking with my Wiim Mini, regardless, but Randy's answer will be interesting to know nonetheless

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

I ran a wiim mini into my dCS dac via optical and streamed the music wirelessly ( from a melco ). I compared this to the dCS internal streamer fed music wired from the melco . The wiim mini performed admirably - but there was a difference to the sound - the wiim soundstage was narrower , had less body / depth and had slightly less resolution . Not huge differences but apparent to the trained ear .

[@eugenemcnair2924]

Hey I cheeped out I do not use a streamer ,I use my computer connected to a pair of Edifier R 1280Ts powered speakers,but between them I have a IFI Zen DAC. this is for my desk top setup,I can listen to Spodify,but it also lets me listen to my favorite Classic rock station from when I lived up north.

[@patrickmasterson5420]

I do enjoy your channel, I tune in to your enthusiasm. Streamers they are not for me but that's OK. Having a streamer is OK too, My Naim CD 5si is pretty awesome and so is my Rega Planer 50th anniversary turntable. Audio enriches my life, I can relive my youth, I think it should be Buzzcocks tonight. B'Dum B'Dum for those who know.

[@mikemoniz4441]

I have a CXN V2 that I bought probably just before the CXN100 came out. I think it sounds great. I'm curious on why they went from a dual DAC chip in the V2 (one per channel) back to a single DAC chip in the 100? Do you think the dual Wolfson chips was just an experiment and decided to go back to a single ESS? Or do you think they are trying to save the money? I have no idea how much a DAC chip can be.

[@threedollarbridge]

I currently stream with a WIIM Pro to my Anthem AVR connected by Toslink. This setup uses the Dac in the Anthem. In theory, is this the better setup for my system or would a higher end streamer give better results?

[@SaintKimbo]

Yes, a streamer like the Grimm MU1 would give you better results, and it's only $10,500.

[@threedollarbridge]

@ 😂

[@fabian2970]

Chromecast doesn't stream through your phone like airplay

[@donopete1]

How can one streamer produce more bass than the other?! Is it a different digital signal? Were you using a more powerful amp?

[@christopherwright8179]

You cover everything so beautifully here. People just need to get out there and listen for themselves and not get hung on DAC chip specifications. It’s all about the implementation. Ease of use is a big one for me, as a horrible interface will make for an unhappy relationship. I’m lucky enough to have an Auralic Aries G2.1 and Vega G2.1 and I’m in audio heaven.

[@usesofmooses]

First of all - I don’t consider myself an audiofile, I’m just a guy who likes to listen music. I use my audio separates mostly for records, cd-s and cassettes but as I drive my speakers with an AVR I also have a chrome cast thing plugged into the avr for some casual background music from Spotify when I have mates over. At the beginning of the video it was mentioned that a streamer would be a better solution? Why? The chromecast thing grabs the music from the internet and uses the dac from my AVR. The expensive streamer would download the exact same “ones and zeroes” and send them to the same dac in my AVR. At the end they would sound exactly the same! Or am I missing something?

[@SaintKimbo]

It's the sending and processing of those 'ones and zeroes' that makes all the difference, and you can spend an eternity and a whole lot of money pursuing that difference, what are you waiting for?

[@proverbialmind_spread9421]

I have a WiiM Ultra and the Cambridge CXN100. I am running the WiiM into an SMSL SU-1 via optical and the Cambridge just blows the doors off the WiiM. Only way i could get the WiiM to sound as close to the CXN was to run in through a DAC Magic 200. May as well just spend the money on a quality streamer if you have to run the WiiM through a high end dac to get it to sound good. I guess i'm spoiled though. If it's your first streamer, the WiiM is a decent option for most. You can also get a Cambridge MXN for around the same price. Doesn't have a shnazzy screen though.

[@MarquezDaniel]

I think the WiiM is a great option for people starting out or for people like myself who aren't going to spend over a $1,000 on a streamer lol

[@PaulBlamey]

How do they compare if you run the Cambridge through the SU-1? I assume they would be the same and the difference is in the DAC not the streamer. Maybe not though, the WIIm does a lot of processing so that might be affecting things.

[@ericelliott227]

A streamer is a streamer, the only differences are connections and price. All streamers are basically dacs and all dacs within the same base sound the same. The exception would be a current based chip vs a voltage based chip (ie. AKM vs Saber). The big difference in sonics lies with the op-amp. I use streaming for background noise and research, not for listening. If I want to have streaming in my system, I will get a Wiim Pro. I like that the Ultra would also allow for playing USB thumb drives, but the Ultra is completely incompatible with my system, no way to hook it up without having to use it as my system. The Wiim Pro would integrate just fine. However, streaming ability on my system is lowest on my list. I wanted to get an outboard dac to try (Douk Audio Q11), but it will not hook up to my Marantz ND8006 and I doubt it will work with my older CD player. It will hook up to a Wiim Pro fine, but I would not be able to hear a difference between the AKM and Saber using streams. I may hear a difference rolling op-amps, but that is not the initial point for getting an outboard dac. I use Alexa to stream now, but I don't do it often because it is a PITA. It is an argument trying to get her to play what you want. Using a Wiim with my tablet via WiFi solves that problem and keeps bluetooth away.

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Nope, they all sound different

[@ericelliott227]

@@Audiodreamer192-24 To you perhaps as it is totally subjective.

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Exactly! Some people can hear better than others for a variety of reasons. So if one was to sample many different products at different price points and does not hear a difference then it makes no sense for them to buy quality gear as it wouldn’t benefit them. However the reverse is also true if one has managed to preserve their hearing to the point they can hear subtle differences that create nuance and realism then the investment in better gear is worth it for them.

[@BMWBuilds]

Would have love to have seen an $80 wiim in comparison. My system is all separated so I often wonder if I’m missing anything.

[@BMWBuilds]

Ok, never mind, this video answered a lot of questions for me. I see that I’m not the target audience for these with my current system. And that’s good to know! Calm, FOMO, calm…

[@stephenc6648]

It would be fine if you don't care about Chromecast and you're connecting it to an external DAC.

[@adambouterie5659]

For a less experienced audio enthusiast, do you think it would be more cost effective to just go with an all in one like the EVO One or Naim Mu-so 2 to start out?

[@SaintKimbo]

Depends on how serious, (crazy?) you are about the audio hobby, half the fun is swapping out and improving your system, if you get an 'all in one' system you might get frustrated, with an element of it, and you're stuck with it, as opposed to being able to swap out your DAC, pre amp, power amp, cables etc. in a separates system.

[@adaboy4z]

I own the WiiM Ultra. The last few days I connected my phone straight to my amp via RCA to type C cable. It sounds just as good. I question why did I buy a streamer.

[@robertldcarlson]

So you can have your phone with you when you're moving around the house. So others can join your streaming jam, so you can stream multi room, so you can stream from your own stored music on your network, to name a few reasons.

[@adaboy4z]

@robertldcarlson I can do that with my PC over Wifi or Bluetooth. I guess I wanted to see what all the Hoopla was about.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I get Amazon music thru my PC's sound card with a digital coaxial output to the the SMSL DAC into my modest system and I find the sound very satisfying.

[@SaintKimbo]

I have my computer hooked up to my TV through an old Marantz amp, through a cheap R2R DAC, through Energy speakers with built in subwoofers, and use Amazon and KZbin for most for my music needs. I also have a dedicated audio set up with an Electrocompaniet amp hooked up to Usher Speakers through a Violectric DAC, with a Cyrus transport, but hardly ever use it, lol. I can see a time where KZbin's sound will raise to a satisfactory level and, with the right components, will be all that I need for music.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

@@SaintKimbo I also have a vintage Marantz that i use as a preamp into an Emotive amp. It's a Frankenstein setup but it's good enough for me

[@dontcallmetravis]

Two Cambridges and no Eversolo?

[@MarlonUrias]

The Eversolo controls are not intuitive? wut

[@Ads_cft2222]

Source is crucial. I realized that when I switched from Wiim mini to Wiim pro plus to finally a Bluesound node Nano with ipower 2. Bye bye harshness…

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Ya Bluesound is way better quality product then any wiim any day

[@sams8440]

thanks for sharing. are you comparing the analogue outputs? or did you manage to do a head to head with the digital outs into your own DAC/integrated AMP/active speakers??

[@jaapameling8133]

If you make a comparishment and do not specify what type of connections are in use, you leave me puzzled. E.g. talking over dacs used and an external reclocker you talk about very different things.

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

This was a dac comparison?

[@2madamimadam290]

Disbelivers.... I tested both the Wiim Pro and a Denafrips ARCE. Definitely sound different. My wife prefers the Wiim. I thought the ARCE had better instrument separation. Downside is stuck with Roon. Like them both though.

[@jchambo86]

This might be a stupid question. But I'm new to A/V, streaming devices, etc. If I take say, an old iPad Mini (at least a few generations old now) and just go straight 3.5mm to RCA into a set of cheap Edifier R1280T's... am I losing any audio quality vs. say getting a WiiM Pro Plus or WiiM Ultra? I'd be using Spotify and/or Tidal as the music source.

[@robertrudd6970]

COM! I don’t know what you do for a living, but (I plead), take this show on the road. Open a brick and mortar store. It’s impossible to try and get a listen first hand, or having them all in one spot. I might hear from you or others, that if I buy them on line and dislike them, I can just send them back. I know that sometimes when I do that, I just give up and live with it, especially if it’s a total pain to do that.

[@Moon007raker]

OMG! YES - 90125 I have that one in vinyl.

[@NathanStorer-RC]

Do you think these Cambridge streamers are worth the price if you're planning on using them just as a DAC for your PC? I've been contemplating upgrading my Fiio DAC.

[@andrewwilliams3549]

I have a WIIM ultra which replaced a expensive (in the day) old streamer with no DAC, which played through the same brands amp DAC. The difference is very noticiable and in the main very good, but there is a lack of sound stage width & depth it doesnt seperate out the instruments or voices as well but there is some double look sound quality to be heard for realistic sounds of instruments: for the money its pretty freakin good. It will do for now but i'm really looking for a round up review that goes low and high in cost and has a larger collection. This was good but it needed more units i.e. Bluesound icon, Eversolo a6 / a8 a Fiio etc and a high end one ES A10?, what do these do / sound like in comparision. What does 4k, 2k, 1k get you compared to 320.

[@danrauch5389]

So how do these compare to the really expensive streamers like the Hifi Rose RS130 streamer? What do you get for $5k that these don't offer?

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

They don’t compare at all…. My best friend has the hifi rose… the openness and fine detail and air for days. Honestly if you had the money and you already had a wiim and then you heard the rose….. you’d throw your wiim in the trash.

[@sams8440]

@@Audiodreamer192-24 that's really interesting! thanks for sharing. just to be clear - you used both as digital transports and compared that? or did you just compared the analogue outputs like randy did? the issue i have with hifirose is the customised android. just hate the old buggy versions they tend to use.

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Both the the integrated and external (chord Dave dac) Was slightly better using the external dac . But to be clear, I have decent gear myself but my buddy has much higher means than I do, so I get the advantage of comparing gear at many different price points. I can say without a doubt you get what you pay for for the most part, not with all products but with most. I know the snake oil wagon riders will clap that but nevertheless it’s true.

[@iptvsrbija2273]

I have WiiM Ultra very nice streamer i loved

[@knockshinnoch1950]

The weakest link in all of these dedicated streamers is of course the size of the display. I use my MacBook Pro M1 through my Marantz PM10 SACD Player and it sounds superb.

[@anonylesss]

does any of these streamers support Subsonic based music servers?

[@jungtarcph]

Also, try a pi 3 hat with a 150 USD SPIDF out to your DAC.

[@jarenci1]

I just need something that allows me to feed high quality audio to my receiver, Wiim Mini does that

[@tubefreeeasy]

From my computer, I use a dongle that upgrades my Bluetooth codex from SBC to aptX HD. I’ve done many tweaks to upgrade the sound.

[@SaintKimbo]

Getting rid of bluetooth would be an upgrade.

[@tubefreeeasy]

@ Have you heard aptX-HD?

[@SaintKimbo]

@@tubefreeeasy LDAC is better.

[@zebulonzabriski46]

If you don't have bat ears and want to enjoy your favorite music even cheaper: Get yourself a Majority Fizzwilliam Mk. III plus a SMSL SU-1, and you will be perfectly fine for less than 200 € including the Toslink cable.

[@Shl0kk]

Short answer: yes, if routing analog; no, if routing digital

[@jarekharmening8993]

I won't consider a streamer without a Bluetooth functionality because if my wifi or network goes out, I'm screwed. My phone network almost always stays online and i need that backup option in case the internet is out.

[@stehlik]

Your phone has a wifi hotspot capability, doesn’t it? BT is ok to have but not determining factor in such case.

[@jarekharmening8993]

@stehlik yes if I paid extra for the Hotspot option on my phone

[@SaintKimbo]

@@jarekharmening8993 Pay extra? Most phones for the last 5 years or so, have that feature in the wi fi settings, why would you have to pay extra for it?

[@jarekharmening8993]

@SaintKimbo i don't know what country you're in, but here in the US hotspots for phones cost extra on phone plans. They're not included.

[@mainlymusicman]

I have an Eversolo and a WIIM pro plus. i cant hear any difference in the sound.

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Ya sure lol

[@mainlymusicman]

@ because there isn’t any

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Ok skippy 😂😂😂

[@D1N02]

I use a Cambridge AXN10 (cost me 350). It is way smoother than the WIIM. It is the Cambridge signature. I changed the power cable with a furutech clone and bass improved a lot. I don't care about dac chips because i use an external dac. Nor do i care for screens. To far away to read.

[@jackn4853]

If you used the same power cable for your printer would you get better colours?

[@D1N02]

@jackn4853 I don't own a printer. I hate them.

[@SaintKimbo]

@@jackn4853 Yes, the colors have much more 'air', 'separation' and 'depth'.