Amazon music HD streamer?

I have my echo Dot hooked up to my Rotel integrated.

Is there a better affordable solution? I see the $200 Echo Link.

Other option I like is the new Denon stereo receiver with Amazon Alexa and music integrated with the onboard DAC.

Denon DRA-800H 2-Channel Stereo Network Receiver for Home Theater | Hi-Fi Amplification | Connects to All Audio Sources | Latest HDCP 2.3 Processing with ARC Support | Compatible with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RP4P169/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9K9NDbM1NV4X2

 

If you already like your Rotel many really like the bluesound node 2 and 2i (I'm looking at one) - it is not powered, but runs the right OS to take full advantage of amazon's highest quality. It's only about 50 bucks less than the Denon, but like I said no power.

 

After looking around a little, I'm finding some discontinued Denon heos receivers for as low as 229.00. I am in process of verifying that they will do bit perfect amazon HD.

 

I reckon my ancestors jaw's will drop when they visit the museum of "Sreaming artefacts" in 2119.

 

Which Rotel are you running? I have theRA-1570 with a Bluesound Node 2 connected with both RCA and optical cables, and am happy with the sound of both Tidal and Amazon HD (which I’m demo’ing). My only negative comment is that the search and play function for Amazon within Bluesound’s apps is wonky, but that is an Amazon issue rather than Bluesound.

 

I'm hoping the Link will go on sale for Black Friday. I have my own DAC so I just need something with a digital out.

 

Rotel RA-12, bought for $350. I'll lookout for a used Amazon Link

 

These things have a digital out? That may be the way to go for a lot of people.

 

A Denon HEOS link HS2, will do the trick.

 

That's a good option. From looking around, it looks like that is the best "inexpensive" option along with the Bluesound Node 2i.

The Marantz stuff and the capable Denon amp's are just a little too high priced for me to justify.

 

That's exactly what I’m planning on doing as well. However if you look at the info I think it *may* only output cd quality. Nowhere I see confirms that it will send 24-192 or 24-96 over the coax out or what amazon refers to as ”Ultra HD”. Have you found any documentation that states it will?

 

I am pretty confident it won't do the high bit rate stuff - I think maybe it tops out at 48k. I seem to remember that, but I've been researching so much on this that I might be a little confused.

 

If you are referring to the Heos link, then I can confirm that the HS2 version is indeed capable of outputting high-res PCM files as high-res PCM streams through its sp/dif output. The original version (non-HS2) of the link maxes-out at CD resolution though. But impressively the HS2 version is also capable of down-sampling high res files to play on the earlier Heos devices.

 

I was talking about the amazon echo link. It’s a perfect fit for my needs other than the fact that it doesn’t do high res... the heos link sounds like it has that last function I want but is priced too high for what really amounts to a curiosity... =/

I’ll keep that device in mind though! Thanks!

 

I've also been trying to find out this information with little luck.

 

Sonos Connect?

 

I know this would be a slight downgrade from my Rotel RA-12, but this has everything I need in one component. Phono input, HDMI inputs, DAC for DSD and streaming, etc.

 

I WOULD NOT consider replacing a Rotel unit with a different unit a viable alternative. You'd give up too much in the process.

 

I agree. If you really want the ultra HD grab a standalone streaming unit.

 

Yeah, the Rotel is my favorite amp I've had. I guess the Bluetooth streaming from my phone sounds good enough. I can't find any specs on the Bluetooth dongle.

 

using an echo input for now, at least it's cd quality for when I'm too lazy to put a CD or Record on

 

does this work? for 24/192 and “bit perfect”..

iPhone X > “camera connector kit” (lightning to USB) > USB to micro USB > external DAC (Schiit Modi 3 for example)

 

When Amazon comes out with a device that can play 24/192 and/or 24/96 from the Amazon Music HD app, I will buy it.
Hopefully it can be used with an external DAC and cost less than $200.