Pretty much as per the title, I have 1000s of music tracks stored on my Mac. I’d like to get away from using my computer as a source and transfer these files to a HD or similar that I can ‘plug’ into my hifi. So as I understand it I need a streamer box of sorts and a DAC, however I am not interested in using any subscription streaming services.
My hifi setup is all Naim, but I don’t want the expense of going with one of their streamers. Ideally I’d like a box with a display and a dedicated remote, but am willing to look at other options I could control with a mobile app if I have to.
Budget is maybe $1000. I fully expect the answers to be Node or Wiim but thought I would ask anyway. Thanks
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A Raspberry Pi with some software, for example: https://volumio.com/en/get-started/
If you dont have a DAC then there’s several DAC options for the Pi, for example: https://raspberrypi.dk/en/product/iqaudio-dac-pro-audio-card/
Add a USB HDD or SSD for storage.
The Wiim will do it. The iFi Zen Stream with a linear power supply will sound better, depending on the DAC and the resolving power of the rest of your system. The software is a tad shit but works just fine for local or NAS files.
Without the LPSU, don’t bother and just get a Wiim.
The WiiM is a simple solution. It supports Aitplay2, Airplay Cast and UPnP/DLNA.
This means you must have your “HD” attached to the network. Might be your Max, might be your router (mine is DLNA compatible).
The output is analog and digital (SPDIF). The analog output is moderate, the SPDIF is textbook perfect: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/wiim-pro-review-measurements-streamer.42300/
If your Naim has SPDIF input, use that one. If not, connect the WiiM to a decent DAC.
If you don’t want a networked solution but direct playback a Raspberry Pi as mentioned by Zapador is the answer.
Another option is using a touchscreen controlled portable computer. Indeed a mobile (if needed with a SD card). Connect it to a USB DAC and you have simple stand alone solution.
I’m a Roon user. I know it’s expensive but for me it’s been a great way to integrate my personal library and Qobuz to stream hires in an integrated way. Search that works across my files and Qobuz, pretty interface, etc.