Seems there is a need for a separate connectivity box

[humblebee]

Till sometime back my need for streaming from tab to pc was met by a simple nero streaming app and nero media home player on pc over wifi. But now for some reason I have to spend money to buy the player.

Not just streaming from tab/phone, there is the need to connect the dac to many devices ...

- to pc for playback from usb
- to spdif for set top box at least
- to bluetooth for cheaper phones
- to wifi for NAS & smartphones
- to free internet radio over wifi with router directly
- to spotify, pandora and what not new age services

Since we in audio world adopt a strategy of component system where one component does one task well, I am inclined to think that the issue of connectivity is big and complicated enough so that it should have its separate component.

And while we are at it, lets borrow the upgradable philosophy by having separate cards for each connectivity option in a box...why spend money on spdif if you have just a pc and a tablet?

I wonder if such a thing exists or has been DIYed....
Could anyone help me?

 

[regeHA]

Most of what you have mentioned here can be taken care of by an AVR or network player/streamer or a Synology NAS.

The cheaper alternative for the budget conscious audiophile is Chromecast Audio, works as a source, transport, streamer, DAC, preamp, etc. and has hundreds of stations that you can listen for free.

However, none of them offer an all in one solution, especially in terms of SQ. My solution is to use them and add an external DAC, even a budget DAC from the likes of Schiit that will not make you feel like you're compromising on the SQ.