hardware

[jdg072]

Do you know of any hardware player to connect to an old HIFI set to run HI FI cast and stream from mininserver on a QNAP? I can run it on my phone, but maybe there is dedicated hardware too for it?

[simbun]

If you're after hardware that you connect to your old Hi-Fi and cast/play to using Hi-Fi Cast then I can recommend one of the WiiM products.

I have a Pro and have been using it for most of this year. There were initially some problems with its interaction with MinimServer but we got those ironed out earlier this year and it's been pretty faultless since.

It does have its own app, but the UPnP implementation is bare bones so you're better of using it just for the hardware setup (adding to your network) and using Hi-Fi Cast day to day.

The mini and Pro were built with digital in mind, so whilst it does have a DAC it's not a particularly strong one, but there is supposed to be a Pro+ coming out in the next few weeks that improves on the analog performance.

[jdg072]

(24-07-2023 10:08)simbun Wrote:  If you're after hardware that you connect to your old Hi-Fi and cast/play to using Hi-Fi Cast then I can recommend one of the WiiM products.

I have a Pro and have been using it for most of this year. There were initially some problems with its interaction with MinimServer but we got those ironed out earlier this year and it's been pretty faultless since.

It does have its own app, but the UPnP implementation is bare bones so you're better of using it just for the hardware setup (adding to your network) and using Hi-Fi Cast day to day.

The mini and Pro were built with digital in mind, so whilst it does have a DAC it's not a particularly strong one, but there is supposed to be a Pro+ coming out in the next few weeks that improves on the analog performance.

Thanks, but with a WIIM in place, you don't need your phone to start playing? There is no screen on the WIIM alike HI Fi cast on my smartphone?

[simbun]

(24-07-2023 10:45)jdg072 Wrote:  Thanks, but with a WIIM in place, you don't need your phone to start playing? There is no screen on the WIIM alike HI Fi cast on my smartphone?

Maybe I misunderstood your original post.

Nearly all modern solutions, not just UPnP, have a server (MinimServer/Spotify/Qobuz) a controller (Hi-Fi Cast/Spotify app) running on a phone/tablet and a streamer component feeding an amp/speaker. With the controller you browse your server and send the desired tracks to the streamer to play.

Are you looking for hardware that plugs into your Hi-Fi and has a screen and buttons/touchscreen for you to navigate with? What connections does your old Hi-Fi have?

[jdg072]

(24-07-2023 11:05)simbun Wrote:  Are you looking for hardware that plugs into your Hi-Fi and has a screen and buttons/touchscreen for you to navigate with? What connections does your old Hi-Fi have?

Yes, and preferably runs HI FI Cast.
My HIFI has DNLA, so it is selectable from HIFI Cast on my phone, but I want a phone independent system.
HiFi has regular RCA jacks
I had a squeezebox before, I missing the "Touch" hardware.

[simbun]

(24-07-2023 14:35)jdg072 Wrote:  Yes, and preferably runs HI FI Cast.
My HIFI has DNLA, so it is selectable from HIFI Cast on my phone, but I want a phone independent system.
HiFi has regular RCA jacks
I had a squeezebox before, I missing the "Touch" hardware.

There are all-in-one solutions like the Naim uniti atom that deliver everything in one box, including browsing from the screen I believe (there are cheaper alternatives), although I assume you'll want the browsing device to be portable?

Is there any reason you're not considering an Android tablet as it seems the obvious solution, or are you specifically looking for hardware buttons like on the Squeezebox?

If you don't go the Android route and instead rely on the browsing capabilities of a hardware solution - even the Atom - I'd imagine the browsing experience will be very limited compared to what's available on Android.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Peter StreamMagic]

including browsing from the screen I believe

I don't think this Naim has a touch screen, you have to use a remote.

Maybe something like this: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/streamers...17643.html

Or DIY raspberry based: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksy5nQJxq_0

Just suggestions, I haven't tried them myself