Options for streaming Spotify to Naim network players (again)

Posted by: Hook on 29 November 2012

Have read a few threads about streaming Spotify (and other apps) to Naim network players, and unless I've missed something, we have four options:

1) Hard-wired iPod/iPad connection to the Naim player's USB input,

2) Mac or iPod/iPad stream via Airplay to an Airport Express, and then connect via Toslink to the Naim player,

3) Nicecast (or SHOUTcast or similar) captures audio stream from an app running on a Mac, and then subscribe to it as an internet radio station using nStream's vTuner service, or

4) Asset's advanced option for "PC Sound Capture [WASAPI]", and then listen via UPnP using nStream.

Am curious what others are doing, and whether anyone has compared any of these options in terms of sound quality and/or usability?  Also, are there any other options worth pursuing?

Thanks!

Hook

PS - IMO, it would be easier (at least for Mac and iPod/iPad owners) if Naim and Apple could work out an agreement for Airplay support, but I am starting to suspect that is not going to happen.

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by mharttpalmer

We Spotify via Sonos, connected to our UnitiQute through Toslink.

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by gav111n

Hook, you may be interested to know that at the recent TomTom event, Doug gave the impression that Airplay support is way off (if at all). He suggested that anyone interested should consider connecting a thing-a-ma-jig* to their streamer (* is it an airport express or Apple TV or something? I can’t remember).

 

I have used the Asset ‘PC capture sound capture’ function a few times for listening again to the BBC iPlayer. It works well and sounds good to me. I’ve not compared it with any of the other options that you give and I don’t use Spotify, so this is probably less than half an answer to your question!

 

Gav

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by Occean

Another Sonos vote - its stable and seamless with iPad controller. 

 

mharttpalmer - I am curious if you hear much difference between the sonos and the Qute on a regular loslsess file?

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by m0omo0
Originally Posted by Hook:

3) Nicecast (or SHOUTcast or similar) captures audio stream from an app running on a Mac, and then subscribe to it as an internet radio station using nStream's vTuner service, or

Hi Hook,

 

I suggested that once to use with a SqueezeBox, but I'm not sure it can work with a Naim streamer. With the SB you can simply give the URL of any iRadio station, but I got the impression that you could only register existing vTuner-listed radios in a Naim streamer (I haven't got one, so not sure).

 

I'm using the free version of Nicecast so I can listen to new music, or excerpt, or YouTube, etc. It's just for discovery and so the sound quality doesn't bother me.

 

I don't know the average bitrate you get from Spotify, but Nicecast goes up to 320 Kbps. Not sure how all the needed conversions alterate the sound quality, but it may not be the best solution for serious listening.

 

I find it practical, though. And if it works with Naim streamers that means one less digital connection to the streamer compared to the use of an Airport Express or an AppleTV (unless you use these for other puposes too).

 

HTH

Maurice

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by mharttpalmer
Originally Posted by Occean:

Another Sonos vote - its stable and seamless with iPad controller. 

 

mharttpalmer - I am curious if you hear much difference between the sonos and the Qute on a regular loslsess file?

Having only just got the Qute, I haven't had a chance to compare yet, but it's something I'll definitely do.  Do you have a similar setup, and if so, do you notice a difference?

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by Occean
Originally Posted by mharttpalmer:
Originally Posted by Occean:
 

Having only just got the Qute, I haven't had a chance to compare yet, but it's something I'll definitely do.  Do you have a similar setup, and if so, do you notice a difference?

No I am running a Sonos into a Supernait and am very happy with it. As much as I like to switch to a Naim streamer I could not give up the Sonos ease of use (and the multiroom)

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by PinkHamster

You could use Logitech's Media Server. It has a Spotify plugin and it can act as a UPnP server.

 

I don't know though if there are any other prerequisites for using Spotify as i am not using it,

Posted on: 29 November 2012 by birdie339

I don't believe the iPod hard connection can work as Hook suggests above. I was happily using the Nicecast option via my Mac until I realised Virgin includes Spotify as part of its package. I now just run a Toslink cable directly from the Tivo into my Uniti and control via the TV. It's a better SQ at 320 kbps. Works flawlessly.