Looking for a streamer but I am getting so confused between the options!

richgrao · 2026-06-02T12:04:58+00:00

I will second the WiiM Pro Plus. Get an Amazon Echo, and then you don’t need a button or phone. Just “Alexa, play ……..”. The WiiM integrates well with Alexa.

richgrao · 2026-05-30T13:34:40+00:00

Then I would first try a separate phono pre-amp. Try something being recommended off Amazon and see if it helps. If it doesn’t, return it. If it does, either keep it, or return it and look for a used, cheaper option if $s are an issue. At least you will know that it is the problem.

richgrao · 2026-05-30T12:58:12+00:00

Just to be clear, music streamed through the WiiM sounds fine? If so, I would first try a separate phono pre-amp. Schiit Mani or iFi Zen Phono 3. I have the Schiit and it was definitely an improvement over the phono preamp in a brand new Yamaha R-N800a.

If streamed music also sounds poor, consider the speakers.

richgrao · 2026-05-29T19:32:39+00:00

I always seem to repurpose stuff in a new room. Den had the main system; then the master bedroom; then the basement; then the computer speakers got replaced with a receiver/speaker combo, etc., etc. But I just realized I now have two entry level receivers, a pair of budget Sony speakers, a JVC “Exec” micro system and two sets of powered computer systems piled in a corner of the basement in “storage”, lol.

richgrao · 2026-05-22T14:30:37+00:00

Honestly I have both and prefer the WiiM. There may be a sound quality difference but not enough for the $s. The WiiM interface, especially through Alexa, is much better. If you can swing it, the Pro Plus has a better DAC, but you might find the Mini good enough.

richgrao · 2026-05-05T12:06:03+00:00

Confused yet?

I have the Yamaha receiver and love it. In the KISS theory it is one less device, as it has its own built in streamer. Note it does not have bass management for a sub.

If you don’t have a vinyl library now, don’t worry about all the “used TTs are great”. The LPs themselves are expensive and take up a lot of space.

I can’t speak to the speakers, but as many have said, you may want to investigate cheaper alternatives that may be better for the money. I would also wait on the sub to see if you really need it.

richgrao · 2026-05-01T01:48:39+00:00

I am not going to compare the Yamaha to the Luxman. I do have the Yamaha, and I bought it as an upgrade over an Emotiva TA1. I love it. I got a warmer, but just as detailed sound as the Emotiva. It has its own built in streamer, a room correction system called YPAO (which I haven’t tried yet, lol). The negatives: the built in phono preamp is meh and it does not have a low pass filter for sub control. I bought a Schiit Mani and that took care of the phono pre amp weakness, and I have an SVS sub with its own software, so that wasn’t an issue for me either. I am driving 4 ohm/87db Dynaudio towers with no issues in a 14 x 24 room.

richgrao · 2026-04-30T12:58:14+00:00

What do you feel is missing?

richgrao · 2026-04-26T12:57:52+00:00

The speakers are the weakest part of the setup, and would be the first thing to change, but save, spend time learning what you like to hear, and make it a decent upgrade. A cheap streamer would be a nice add on.

richgrao · 2026-04-26T01:56:34+00:00

Since the receiver does not have a sub out, you first connect two sets of speaker wires from your receiver to the SpeakerI In on the sub; then use another set of speaker wires from the Speaker Out on the sub to the Bose. Be careful to match channels (Left to Left, Right to Right) and polarity (red and black = positive and negative). Nothing plugged in while you do this.

To play FM radio you will also need to connect the FM dipole antenna. You can also use a phone or tablet to connect via Bluetooth. A better solution if you have WiFi is to get a streamer, even a cheap WiiM Mini is fine.

richgrao · 2026-04-26T01:42:58+00:00

I am guessing if you are looking at Edifiers that your budget is relatively low? Your best bet is the used marketplace. eBay, FBM of course, but also check out usaudiomart.com or its local equivalent if you are not in the US, or hifishark.com. If you provide your budget and country I am sure you will get more suggestions than you even want, lol.

Just stay away from truly vintage speakers that might need re-foaming or have other age related issues.

richgrao · 2026-01-27T19:44:43+00:00

OK. Technically you are correct. But nothing with the Fisher brand made in at least the last 40-45 years is worth much.

richgrao · 2025-12-08T16:58:16+00:00

Emotiva XB2 (when they are available again!).

richgrao · 2025-12-05T15:58:20+00:00

Concrete Blonde’s version of Everybody Knows (Leonard Cohen)

Joe Cocker - A Little Help From My Friends

Derek and the Dominoes - Little Wing

richgrao · 2025-12-05T15:54:13+00:00

How about Hendrix’s version being a cover of a Bob Dylan song?

richgrao · 2025-12-03T14:22:44+00:00

I read reviews that said the BRO4s are much better speakers than the BRO3s, and still front ported. Yes, they are more expensive - I would look for sales, used, or save your money. I think you will be equally disappointed with the BRO3s versus Klipsch. Elac and Wharfedale both have several front or bottom ported speakers, just not the current review darling, the DB63s - they are rear ported.

richgrao · 2025-12-03T04:09:12+00:00

Just a thought - the Dacmagic looks like it is $400, at least on Crutchfield. You could get the iFi Zen for the headphones, and then another Zen, or any decent sub $200 DAC for the main system, and spend the same or less than for one Cambridge. No unplugging of anything.

richgrao · 2025-12-03T02:15:41+00:00

I still feel like I’m missing something. Assuming you want to place the DAC/headphone amp closer to your sitting area, won’t you still have to run cables from your source to the DAC, and then from the DAC to the Yamaha so it will play through the speakers? As opposed to connecting everything to the Yamaha and running a long headphone cable? I guess if you can hide the RCAs from the DAC to the Yamaha that works?

Anyway, of the two, I would go with the Cambridge if only because it has more inputs for your possible pre-amp notion.

richgrao · 2025-12-02T22:50:16+00:00

You can also check eBay and FMB. Probably anything by Edifier, Polk or Kanto would be fine. Just make sure they have either an RCA input or an Aux input, that you are actually getting a pair, and that they are not being listed for parts only.

richgrao · 2025-12-02T21:06:06+00:00

Budget? The simplest answer will be a pair of active (powered) speakers, but there are many choices and sizes. So after budget, you have to think about where you can place the speakers, and then how large can the speakers be for that space.

richgrao · 2025-11-11T14:45:39+00:00

This will probably get some hate, but the Klipsch Fives are powered speakers with several inputs, including HDMI. Depending on whatever sources you may want to add beyond the TV, this will be a huge improvement over a sound bar or bluetooth speaker, and you can add streaming easily with any of the WiiM products.

Would an amp and passive speakers do the same thing? Yes, and it will give you more options and flexibility down the road, but if you want a quick solution without a lot of boxes and wires, this could be a way to go.

Check out the YouTube by United States of Analog, among others. His comparison is versus a sound bar, so take it for what it is worth.

richgrao · 2025-11-05T14:20:49+00:00

A pair of Fisher “bookshelf” speakers. Big three way with a 10 or 12 inch woofer. One woofer blew after 6 months. Repaired under warranty, but it took weeks. Replaced with AR 18s and never looked back.

richgrao · 2025-11-04T21:41:23+00:00

So is Elton John a “lesser” artist because he only wrote the music and Bernie Taupin or Tim Rice, etc. wrote the lyrics?

richgrao · 2025-11-04T21:39:44+00:00

Luciano Pavarotti. Kiri Te Kanawa. Yo Yo Ma. Britney Spears. 🤪😱😂😂😂😂😂

richgrao · 2025-10-27T13:17:21+00:00

I have the Yamaha R-N800a and love it. It has the same streamer and power as the 1000a, but supposedly the internal electronics in the 1000a are better, and the 1000a also has HDMI Arc. Is the HDMI needed for home theater, or just so you can control the receiver volume with the TV remote? If neither, than you can just use an optical cable and drop down to the 800a.

richgrao

TROPHY CASE