So I purchased a Bluesound Node X with the hope that it would improve my streaming experience and overall listening experience. It really hasn’t.
I use Amazon Music and other than some minor conveniences (like not interrupting music when a call comes in) I’m not sure it was worth the $750. The sound from the Laptop via USB sound fuller and just as detailed as the Node and it seems like its just another piece of equipment I don’t really need. Am I missing something?
I used a Pi3 with a HifiBerry DAC for several years.
I recently switched to a WiiM Pro with an SMSL SU-1 DAC.
With the DAC, it sounds “slightly” different than the Pi setup, but not enough to say which is better or what is different.
The WiiM wins for “easier setup”, but I still rely heavily on my Pi.
The Pi is running Logitech Media Server to host the library. I typically use Squeezer to playback from my local library. WiiM just shows up as a player for LMS/Squeezer.
Browsing from Squeezer on my phone seems faster to load and search than using the WiiM app to do the same.
Spotify playback is still handled through the Spotify App and using the WiiM as the player (much like using Spotty with LMS).