Very few choices in digital players?

There are few low-budget, entry-level offerings of this (there are many for video, but none for audio). Something that is plug 'n' play, plays FLAC in Hi-res (and the usual mp3). From USB pendrives and hard-drives. Maybe with network connectivity. I'm talking about a component with RCA outputs, not portable DAP.

We have Pioneer, Denon HEOS or Yamaha that offers some nice network players (with USB inputs). However, they're expensive.

Onkyo has a nice entry-level CD player ($200). Sony has one too, that is even cheaper ($150). But there aren't any digital audio players in this price range!

Yes, one can use a run-of-the-mill blu-ray player but they don't have analogue outs! The same happens with some video streamers like Roku.

There is Chromecast Audio, but, for me, USB inputs is just as important as networking.

I like what Sony has done with their mini-systems; they have an USB input that you can use and navigate even with the small display. That's what I'm talking about!

It shouldn't be too difficult to make a low-budget digital audio player with a small display and analogue outputs!

 

Fiio X1 first generation is $79 on Amazon. This is the cheapest I have ever found. I have one and it's pretty good.

 

I also like my Fiio X1 but I'm guessing the OP didn't mean just a headphone out when he said "analogue outputs". For me the cheap stereo rig option is a used Oppo DVD player, I burn hi-res FLAC to DVD-Audio but you could also use a hard drive if you don't want to burn discs.

 

Maybe but the X1 can be configured to line out and the X3 has one as standard. Mine are used for lossless inc 24 bit replay over the main rig.

 

Raspberry Pi with a DAC hat. It's, like, £50 all in.

 

Raspberry Pi is great but you need to configure it a lot. I'd like something just like a CD player: plug 'n' play; you put the USB drive in and you navigate the folders with a small integrated display (and remote control, of course).

 

Blu ray players can do that (apart from the display integrated)

 

Not really. Copy OS to an SD card. Connect to hi-fi AUX input. Power it up. Plug in USB drive. Control from smartphone or tablet.

 

You appear correct that it seems hard to find what you describe in the $150-200 range, without cobbling together or DIY.

 

No analogue outputs in this price range...

Ok, seems fine. Though the OS installation requires a little work (should be fun for me but not so much with "normal" people).

Yes, I don't see any. That Logitech was the answer for this...

 

"Normal" people probably have no use for the device you're describing when they have spotify, bluetooth speakers, smart TVs, etc.

 

Here is a pre-built (I think) option:
Mambo Media Player for Raspberry Pi series. The HiFi solution.

 

Read your post a few times and cannot tell if it is pejorative in nature and towards whom.

 

unfortunately logitech was not good at marketing squeezebox -- worse systems IMO (sonos etc) got a lot more marketing $$

doesnt something like this work though?

Amazon.com: Grace Digital GDI-IRDT200 Hi-Fi Internet Radio Tuner: Home Audio & Theater

 

You're not gonna like this but your best option is just to set up a spare laptop or tablet, load up that with files and Foobar or JRiver, then ouput to a standalone DAC via USB, analog output from the DAC to your stereo. Getting that set up is not as hard as it sounds, and it will be far more practical and easy to use than something with a tiny LCD display for browsing files.

 

i'd use a PC or Ibasso DX80/90

 

Forthcoming SONY UBP X800 should suffice

 

How so?
Sony 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
The Sony UBP X800 does not have :

• RCA outputs
• a display

That unit is $100 over the estimated range the OP suggested for budget.
While this unit does have a USB input on the front, it isn't fully clear that the unit will be able to support HIREZ specifically from the USB port, or maybe only on the other inputs. (Possibly from only a BluRay disc or over the Ethernet port)

 

That's a good find. It plays local music via UPnP. There is a USB jack on the back but no mention in manual that it can be used for playing from attached drive.

 

I agree with this. Though I think a tablet doesn't have true audio line-out? With the laptop you use a phone with a remote control app, you can even use some internet music programs... yeah, it's great.

Laptops ain't cheap, though (but I could buy an used one in this budget).

However, these guys have some good finds:

 

Some tablets have a standard USB output. My Microsoft Surface 3 does.

If you have a tablet with micro USB you can run an adapter, then a standard USB cable to your DAC.

A used laptop would be fine.

 

FYI - Closeout deals may still be found on last year's Denon Heos links. I purchased several for my house at the closeout prices, and I'm impressed by the system.

 

Replaced my Squeezebox with a Bluesound Node2. Bluesound offers variations from a stand alone player-one with storage-one with storage and amplification. The Squeezebox software (LMS) is till supported via an open source development community. If you are into digital streaming to your main and remote HiFi systems, I suggest you look to the near future where you will want to be free from having a computer in the loop. Some form of external drive/storage on a network is the way to go. If you agree then perhaps spending a bit more or at least selecting gear that will lead to the goal is in your best interest.

 

Check out the AURALiC Aries Mini. A lot of features in a small package. Stream, or add an internal hard drive.

 

ipod with bose is gd enuf