So who should be buying a dedicated music Streamer?  We look at the advantages, considerations, costs, and who it might be best suited for.

First off, a streamer, simply put, is a device that allows you to access and play music via a network or internet connection through services like Amazon Music, Spotify (So sad they still haven’t launched HiFi yet!) or Tidal.  A dedicated streamer is also optimized to handle audio files as opposed to a computer or phone which is not, which means better sound. Not to mention, you still need a way to wirelessly get the music into your stereo, and using a cord or adapter is just uncivilized in this day and age!  Another distinct benefit to many streamers is that they also have a built-in DAC (Digital to analog converter).  For those not familiar with DACs I’d recommend a quick read of our short article on “What a DAC does and how it improves sound quality”  

“It’s all relative to what you are going to use it with”

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re looking for better sound, and a streamer can definitely help there, BUT, it’s all relative to what you are going to use it with.   In short, if you’re using a run of the mill stereo receiver you got at Best Buy, or some other big-box store, or perhaps an older vintage unit, unless its a high-end model, you’re probably not going to hear a huge a difference whether you use a dedicated music streamer vs. some other wifi or connection point such as an Airport or (See our blog post on optimal Airport express use here), Chromecast audio or perhaps a Bluetooth connection –the latter being the least optimal of the three (and yes there other methods, but those are 3 of the most common and reliable ).  A Raspberry Pi is also a very interesting option if you’re a DIY type.  All of these is are far better options than something like an Echo Dot or one of those cheap Bluetooth adapters.  Even the out-of-production Sonos Connect is still a dependable solid option.  All of these can be improved as well with a decent DAC later on like Schitt Modi etc.

On the other hand, If you’re using a pair of decent quality resolving speakers, and a nicer integrated amp, separates or maybe some higher-end vintage gear then a dedicated streamer starts to make a whole lot of sense.  Although a good rule of thumb, in my opinion, would be to not spend more than 25% of your system on the streamer.  For those with slightly older high-quality audio gear, a streamer, such as the Bluesoud Node ( Which we will soon be reviewing) can be a fantastic option to bring an older high-end analog system into the 20th century by killing two birds with one stone:

1. Dedicated audio streaming hardware – it’s built to handle audio file transmission

2. A built-in DAC  – (depending on what you get, or hook it up to, this can be a plus or minus!)

The caveat is that if you already own a nice DAC then you’re going to hear a smaller jump in sound quality, and perhaps you won’t notice at all.  Sure, the experts will say that dedicated audio streamers get rid of things like jitter (basically digital “noise” –a bit of an abstract idea for most since digital’s very nature should be pure, but let’s save that debate for another time!). At the end of the day you need to listen for yourself because the difference can be quite subtle for most –and, if you do hear a difference, is one really better than the other or just different?

A Real World Test:

I own a 1st generation Naim Uniti, a fantastic game-changing all in one integrated amp that I’ve adored for over 10+ years now (~$3500 at the time).  It already has a great DAC built-in, but due to the nature of DAC software technology, this can get outdated quickly, so I thought at least the new DAC technology would be decent bang for the buck.  Not to mention, I was at 96-bit rate and thought the jump to 192 in the Bluesound Node 2i would be a no brainer.  In short, after ordering the unit, a valuable real-world lesson was reinforced again –performance numbers on paper do not always equate to better sound.  The sound was different, but I could not say better.  Perhaps in my case,  because I’m using it with a high quality, albeit older DAC, is that higher-end hardware still often beats, or keeps up with, the sound of newer tech with better digital performance specs.  Let’s also get real, in most recordings, the 96 vs. 192-bit rate is inaudible to our ears, so never buy a product just because of performance specs and numbers –it’s always about how it sounds!  

For those that don’t have an existing DAC, a moderately priced steamer like the Bluesound, tor the Sonos Port can be a great way to get improve your system’s streaming capabilities and bring it up to date with many of the new integrated amps that have this capability baked in.  Obviously,  serious audiophiles where the money is no object, they will undoubtedly be going for a separate streamer regardless as well as a separate DAC –how can they say no to another cool looking box!  But this article isn’t aimed at them anyway.  

2023 UPDATE: – The Wiim Mini and Wiim Pro Streamers have taken the affordable Streamer market by storm and these need to be at the top of your list.  We did a recent review of the Wiim Mini here (We love it).  Amazon link here: 

Here are a few streamers we like worth looking at that won’t break the bank.

The Bluesound Node 2i See it on Amazon
Sonos Port See it on Amazon
Amazon Link See it on Amazon

The DIY – Raspberry Pi is also worth a look if you want a fun DIY project.  John Darko, and many other Youtube Vloggers go into great detail on how to build one.  See it an Amazon here.

Don’t forget about the Source!

A quick word on Streaming services: All of this is moot if you’re streaming lossy low resolution from your streaming service.  There are only a few options out there that can stream in full resolution such as Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz and Now Amazon Music HD, the one I’ve opted for, given the great music quality and price (previously a Tidal user).  If you’re on Spotify, Pandora or Apple Music then you’re still behind that of a 1980’s compact disc!  yes, even if you’ve gone for their “higher” quality option, so this is another key consideration.  If you have a good system, It’s akin to feeding a Ferrari cheap gas –what’s the point?!  This is one of the areas where I hear a noticeable step up, but again, you need to be using some decent equipment to notice it, and when you do you can never go back.

It still surprises me that Spotify and Apple still have not released a true high-res offering but now that Amazon has them beat I’m sure the other big boys will have something soon, but not streaming in full resolution in this day and age is completely disrespecting the music!

I hope this sheds a bit more light on some of the factors you should consider when thinking about whether or not you should use a dedicated music streamer in your system.  Let us know what you’re using and what you’ve tried in the comments.

-David, The Hifi Jedi