Streaming device

What is the most cost effective way to get a Spotify , Google play or Tidal stream running on an iPad into a vintage receiver or integrated amp which lacks modern digital connections? It would be nice if the iPad could be connected either physically or wirelessly.

 

The very cheapest way would be to buy a little blue tooth adapter and plug it into an AUX input on your receiver. The Logitech has standard RCA connections and cost about $25.

 

Compromised because of Bluetooth sound quality. Get a refurbished Apple Airport Express for $49 and hook that up analog to your receiver or optical into a DAC, then you use AirPlay to stream from iPad to Airport.

 

So I would use that little analog out single jack using some sort of a cable that outputs to two jacks on the receiver end. Does that arrangement degrade quality?

 

How about a $30 (brand new) Chromecast Audio?

 

You'll need a mini-jack to RCA, they're $5 and sound will not suffer.

 

Seconded. Even has a digital out. No need to connect the iPad to anything if you have a wireless network in the house.

 

Bluetooth 3 and above use wifi with just the bluetooth connection negotiating the link. I think it sounds fine when streaming lossy sources: Apple music, etcetera...

Bluetooth is universal. Apple is proprietary and I don't know anything about the Crome Cast device. Its your money you pick.

 

Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.

 

Chromecast Audio is not proprietary.

 

So it works with Apple? Good to know.

 

I just got my Chromecast Audio and it is exactly what I have been searching for in my system. I am able to run it into my preamp via digital optical toslink and take advantage of the DAC in that.
Best of all, I can operate everything from my Android. Access to my entire music collection (including Hi-res) along with streaming Tidal, Spotify, etc.
All this in a piece of hardware about the size of a silver dollar!

 

Cheapest way? RCA cord:

https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Audi...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V6W9JF22Z37196CJ3BDW

Headphone out > stereo in.

 

If you use Chromecast Audio with Apple products, you should download a program called Allcast from the app store. Apple's streaming service is not Chromecast compatible due to their proprietary clause but you can cast your iTunes purchases to your stereo using Chromecast Audio by converting your iTunes playlists to Google Music playlists or by using Allcast on your iOS product.

 

Chromecast Audio + Tidal =

 

But headphone out is not true line-level...

 

OP wrote "the most cost effective way". This solution definitely fits that requirement.

 

This little device is cheaper than a Chromecast Audio and receives Apple AirPlay:

Sabrent WF-RADU WiFi Audio Receiver - Walmart.com »

Another:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01HFYZDNC?vs=1#

 

Has anyone tried Arcam's Miniblink?

 

EXTREMELY UNRELIABLE.

 

I corrected your post.

I'm sorry the Chromecast doesn't work for you. Personally, I have never had an issue using the Chromecast Audio in my system.

 

With the iPad, AirPlay receiving devices like the Airport Express work with all audio sources on the iPad and is built into the Control Center. The Chromecast requires app compatibility. I have both and rarely ever use Chromecast Audio because it isn't compatible with Apple Music or the Overcast Podcast app (my 2 most used sources).

 

The 3 apps the original poster asked about (Spotify, Tidal and Google Music) all work very well with the Chromecast Audio.

 

That is fine, but I think it is better to make an fully informed decision about the shortfalls involved.

 

So an update: bought an airport express but gave up using it after a weekend of endless stuttering problems that had my family going nuts. Tried virtually every fix I could find on the internet to no avail. My wifi signal is very good BTW and there are no neighbors casting interference. So... I just ordered a chromecast.