The best streamer with a built-in DAC under €1,000 for most people is the WiiM Ultra (€427), with a touchscreen, phono input and HDMI ARC, or the Cambridge Audio MXN10 (€449) for anyone who uses Qobuz and wants Roon Ready. If you only want to add Tidal and Spotify to a system you already own, the WiiM Pro Plus (€287) is enough. All of them cost well under €1,000, which leaves room for a better amplifier or good cables. Here is a commented selection, with what each product page confirms about services and connections.
Our selection at a glance
| Model | Price | Services listed on the page | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artsound Smart Stream 2 | €109 | Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer | Modernizing a system on a small budget |
| Argon Audio Solo | €199 | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready | Simple streaming on an existing amplifier |
| WiiM Pro Plus | €287 | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect | Best value for money |
| WiiM Ultra | €427 | AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect | Living room with TV and turntable |
| Cambridge Audio MXN10 | €449 | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready | More demanding hi-fi systems |
| Eversolo Play | €690 | Not detailed on the page | Anyone who wants an all-in-one unit |
Why we picked each model
WiiM Ultra (€427)
WiiM's top streamer, with a 3.5-inch touchscreen that shows album covers. It has an ESS Sabre DAC, AirPlay 2, Chromecast Audio, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, plus multiroom with other WiiM devices. It adds a phono input for a turntable, a line input, HDMI ARC for the TV and a subwoofer output. It is our pick for anyone who wants a single unit to handle everything.
Cambridge Audio MXN10 (€449)
At half width (215 mm), it has an ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC and the StreamMagic Gen 4 platform with Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Deezer, internet radio, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Roon Ready. It plays PCM up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD up to x512, with RCA, coaxial and optical outputs. It is the most complete on the list for services and the only one with Roon Ready and Qobuz confirmed on the same page.
WiiM Pro Plus (€287)
WiiM's compact streamer, with an AKM DAC and Hi-Res audio up to 24 bit/192 kHz. It supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast Audio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Amazon Music, and comes with a remote. It has RCA analog, optical and coaxial outputs. The page does not mention Qobuz, so check with us if that is your main service.
Argon Audio Solo (€199)
An easy-to-use network streamer that turns any amplifier or active speaker into a streaming source. It brings AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Roon Ready, with analog, optical and coaxial outputs. The page does not mention Tidal or Qobuz.
Artsound Smart Stream 2 (€109)
It plays Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer and internet radio, controlled through the WiiM Home app. It has HDMI ARC, optical, RCA analog and USB, plus an RCA output with variable volume and a subwoofer output. It is the cheapest way on this list to add streaming to a system you already have.
Eversolo Play (€690)
Eversolo presents it as an all-in-one music player with a streaming amplifier. The store page is very short, so we cannot list services or connections here. Ask us for the details before deciding.
How do you choose between them?
Start with the service you listen to most. If you live in Tidal, you get Tidal Connect on the WiiM Pro Plus, the WiiM Ultra and the Cambridge Audio MXN10. If you prefer Qobuz, it is confirmed on the MXN10 and Smart Stream 2 pages. If you use Roon, the MXN10 and the Argon Solo list Roon Ready.
Then think about the room. In a system with a TV and a turntable, the WiiM Ultra saves you devices, because it combines HDMI ARC and a phono input. In a music-only system with a good amplifier, the MXN10 is the more sober choice and the one that grows best with the rest of the chain. And if the goal is simply to add streaming to what you have, any of the three cheapest does the job without fuss.
What about above €1,000?
The Cambridge Audio CXN100 SE costs €1,049 and the Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen2 costs €1,980. Our guide to the Eversolo DMP-A8 Gen2, Master Gen2 and T10 explains when it pays to step up.
What to consider before buying
- Confirm your streaming service is on the model's list, especially Qobuz and Tidal.
- Check which connections you need. For an amplifier without a DAC, an analog RCA output is enough. For an external DAC, you need optical or coaxial.
- If your amplifier has no volume control of its own, look for a streamer with a variable volume output.
- Wi-Fi works, but a network cable gives more stability, especially with high-resolution files.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate DAC if I buy a streamer?
No, every model on this list has a built-in DAC. An external DAC only makes sense if you want to connect the streamer to a better DAC through the digital output. See DAC and streamer explained.
What is the difference between Tidal Connect and AirPlay?
With Tidal Connect, the streamer fetches the music directly from the service and your phone acts only as a remote. With AirPlay, the sound passes through your phone.
Can I connect a streamer to active speakers?
Yes, through the RCA analog output. Models with a variable volume output, like the Smart Stream 2, do not need an amplifier.
Streaming or vinyl?
Each has its charm. The WiiM Ultra even accepts both sources. Read vinyl or streaming.
Also read WiiM: Pro Plus, Ultra, Amp Pro or Amp Ultra and browse the DACs and streamers collection.