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hurricane_run-
I think you're right. Hadn't wanted to be tied into Google Home speakers for the multiroom, but just realised the new mini is £19 at the moment and gets ok reviews. I think you can turn the microphone off which is important as I don't want my kids constantly asking Google questions. It's likely to support tidal connect I'd have thought too.
Scrabble
Right - streaming and general Hi Fi noob here. Sorry for the long post but i'm trying to work out if i've got my ducks in a row on a budget streaming hi fi + multiroom set-up.
I've just dusted off my old system, bought in the early 2000's on a budget but have loved getting back into having a proper listening session to some old CD's and vinyl. My ears have awoken to decent sound after too many years listening to shit bluetooth speakers. I now want to get streaming sorted on the Hi Fi. As ever though I'm on a budget best described as "how little can I pay and still get a good sound".
It's an old Cambridge Audio A1 amp wired up to some Eltax Monitor 3 speakers with a Marantz CD player and Project Debut 2 deck. I think it sounds "good". Most audiophiles will think it's bang average, however its certainly good enough for me.
I want the ability to stream WiFi direct using my android phone to select tracks. I'm currently using Spotify for all my music, but am anticipating switching to Tidal HiFi as part of this progression.
I'd also like the ability to do some multiroom streaming. This will likely just be a couple of extra small speakers. One in the kitchen, one in dining room. Sound quality less important here, but better than the UE2 boom I currently carry about from room to room.
So far I'm set on either the Tibo Bond 3 or August WR320
Both of these provide me with plug and play functionality, as I can wire them straight into the amp and both have "not terrible" and quite cheap additional speakers that I could add for the multiroom element, and then control it all with their apps.
The Tibo is just edging it at present as the app gets slightly better reviews, and more likely to have some form of ongoing support - though this is a worry for both. Neither company have the look of longevity. Both seem to able to to Spotify Connect, but Tidal Connect is quite new - so I'm not sure of the liklihood of this being supported in the future? It would be nice to have. Anyone got any ideas as to how ubiquitous this will become. It appeals due to it's simplicity. Both are able to play Tidal through their app though.
Both also have optical outputs, so down the line I can put a standalone DAC in, the Pro ject DAC Box E, or Topping/Schiit something or others are appealing.
Does this seem like a sensible approach to you folk with deeper knowledge? Means i'm up and running for £40 with the scope to improve for another 60-100 and the ability to multiroom with a couple of £40-£60 speakers.
My main concern is the streamer in the unit being rubbish in some way that I don't understand. There must be a reason the base Cambridge Audio streamer is £750. The audio engine B-FI is another example of more money, but similar functionality - will the streamer in this be better than the August or Tibo, or is the extra money likely tied up in its DAC?
Any guidance appreciated or anything I've missed? Sorry for the long post....