Device for hires audio streaming/playback

[Pianist~Envy]

I've started ripping CDs to my PC harddrive in FLAC format using dBpoweramp. This will become a digital backup when I copy to an external harddrive probably used for playback.

I currently use an Android box to access my local network for the CD files but as mentioned, eventually this will be via an external harddrive, USB direct. It's hooked up to the TV so interface is big and easy to use.

I use the Android box because via USB to my DAC (ARCAM irdac ii) offers the highest quality digital audio signal.

I know the DAC bypasses any on-board sound from the Android box however I'm not sure it or the media player i use (or those available on Android) are the best out there.

So, my question is what devices those of you out there have found good for the above and also, for streaming from the internet, Tidal for example. Ideally, i want something small - a mini PC/Android box/RaspberryPi (no idea), without sink fan noise and it will be dedicated to audio playback.

Any ideas welcome!

[savvypaul]

Sonore Micro Rendu

Metrum Ambre for Roon

[Pianist~Envy]

Awesome, thanks!

Do you have any experience with lower cost products? Considering the Android box sound is bypassed, would a better mini PC/Android/Linux-based platform come close? The only problem I have with the current box, as a 35 quid cheapo is its network/WiFi credentials lending jitter and inconsistency to the signal. Might be fixed with a direct USB link from an external hard drive? But perhaps the player is also important in the mix..?

[Fretless]

Pi's are very cheap and one fitted with a HifiBerry Digi+ board will give you high-quality digital output (coax or toslink) to your DAC.

Free software is available from Volumio (for instance) and I believe that streaming from Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify is available. Certainly network streaming from a NAS is a doddle with a Pi - or you can plug a self-powered USB HDD straight in.
Easy to control via PC/tablet/smartphone.

There is a simple upgrade path with better DAC boards (Digi+ PRO or Allo DigiOne) and (linear) power supplies. None of which will cost the earth. SQ using Volumio is sublime - although I would recommend ripping your CD's to WAV via the EAC ripping application. Unless your disk-space is limited and then FLAC would be the next best option.

[BillyBones]

Never used or have any knowledge of Pi's. Personally I use, and have done for years, a Squeezebox Touch. Now discontinued but still available on Ebay and suchlike, I love mine. I use it for internet radio and streaming from my Synology NAS. I have it feeding a DAC but to be honest the DAC in the Squeezebox is more than capable on its own. Can be used either via wifi or ethernet cable. No longer supports Spotify but Tidal and Quboz are OK. I can still access Spotify through a 3rd party app (Spotty) on the LMS (Logitech Media Server) software on my NAS.

I wont be getting rid of mine anytime soon that's for sure, I think they are brilliant.

[montechristo358]

Try the usbaudioplayer app

[Pianist~Envy]

Great suggestions and I'm looking into all of them. Thanks for taking the time everyone, really helpful.

[CN211276]

There are so many options it is confusing and I can see why many stick to CD and vinyl. I think my set up is quite simple. All my CDs are ripped and stored on a NAS backed up by an external hard drive. This is accessed by the BubbleUp App on my phone from which I also stream Qobuz. BubbleUp also works with Tidal but not Spotfy. Playback if via Wi-Fi to a microRendu streamer connected to the DAC. I found the streamer to be a huge step up from my Desk too PC, as was the PC from a CD player.

[Fretless]

The DbPowerAmp that you use is also a great ripping application - it offers, like EAC, 'secure ripping' which means the program goes back and checks that it has correctly lifted all of the music stream data from the CD.

Many applications only do a 'single-pass' for speedier working - but do not check for errors or accuracy.

[Lurcher300b]

Unless your disk-space is limited and then FLAC would be the next best option.

Did you ever do the comparison between FLAC and WAV?