Sonos Killer? DIY Multiroom Audio with Up2stream Wifi Audio Receiver Board

Arylic have done very well with this A100 being their first TPA3255.
Feature rich, solid build and clean amplification. Unlike other TPA3255 amps in the market, A100 doesn't use external cheap power brick supply but it has solid internal linear power supply using toroidal transformer like traditional amplifiers.
A decent sized heavy case with decent space between components and ventilation holes on the sides, result is good thermal performance. Amplifier case does not even get warm even on pushing it hard.
Nice front display and easy navigating menu, operating A100 is super easy.
A100 has ample of connection options with a stable streaming platform, initial setup and later operation is breeze. DAC used in A100 is very well performing and makes the digital connections perfect for high quality audio.
Objectively, the noise/distortion parameters are respectable. It does not any hiss/noise/crackle even on full volume, there is no pop on power ON/OFF or input switching. Not many other TPA3255 amplifiers have such clean operation.
Subjectively, it produced clean sound within its power output limitations which was more than plenty for a 12 x 14 room. EQ and tone control worked very well without adding any unwanted artifacts.
Sound was punchy and dynamic, solid power supply should have contributed to that. Non-fatigue, smooth and engaging sound signature.
Overall its a high performing unit that could complete with much higher price equipment's. I have paired it with speakers coasting 8 times of its price and A100 isn't shying to power them up with clean powerful sound.
Surely a worthy contender for high quality setup.

Als jemand, der in seinem Leben schon viele innovative Gadgets gesehen hat, war ich skeptisch, ob ein kleines Modul wie der Up2Stream Mini wirklich das Potenzial hat, ein herkömmliches Audiosystem in ein modernes Streaming-Wunder zu verwandeln. Doch als ich ihn in einem Lautsprecher zum Mitnehmen einbaute, änderte sich meine Meinung grundlegend. In meinem 60. Lebensjahr habe ich schon viele Entwicklungen erlebt – und dieser kleine Streaming-Kopf hat mich überrascht.

Erste Eindrücke und Vorbereitung:

Zu Beginn war klar, dass der Up2Stream Mini mit seinen kompakten Maßen von etwa 55 x 42 x 12 mm und einem Gewicht von lediglich 60 Gramm ideal in einen tragbaren Lautsprecher integriert werden konnte. Ich erinnere mich noch gut daran, wie ich das Modul in meiner Werkstatt auspackte und mir vorstellte, wie es in einem Gehäuse zum Einsatz kommen könnte, das ich überallhin mitnehmen kann. Mit der nötigen Sorgfalt und etwas handwerklichem Geschick baute ich den Mini in einen alten, aber geliebten Lautsprecher ein, den ich über die Jahre gesammelt hatte. Es war ein freudiger Moment, als ich die Vorbereitungen abschloss und wusste, dass sich etwas Großes ankündigte.

Integration in den tragbaren Lautsprecher:

Der Einbau verlief erstaunlich unkompliziert. Zunächst habe ich darauf geachtet, dass alle Verbindungen – sei es für die Stromversorgung oder den Audioausgang – sauber und stabil montiert sind. Ich entschied mich, einen separaten USB-Ladeadapter zu verwenden, um eventuelle Störgeräusche zu vermeiden. Die Montage im Gehäuse erforderte etwas Fingerspitzengefühl, da ich darauf achten musste, dass das Modul nicht nur mechanisch sicher fixiert, sondern auch gut belüftet ist. Schließlich sollte der Klang nicht durch Hitzestau beeinträchtigt werden.

Streaming und Bedienung:

Ein wesentlicher Pluspunkt des Geräts ist seine Unterstützung moderner Streaming-Dienste. Über die kostenlose 4STREAM-App – erhältlich für iOS und Android – konnte ich meinen Up2Stream Mini problemlos konfigurieren. Die Einrichtung verlief schnell: Ich verband das Gerät mit meinem Heimnetzwerk und richtete anschließend den sogenannten Direct Mode ein, der es mir erlaubt, auch unterwegs ohne eine vorhandene WLAN-Infrastruktur zu streamen. So kann ich nun, wenn ich an einem sonnigen Tag am See sitze oder im Park entspanne, meine Lieblingsmusik genießen, ohne auf Kabel oder stationäre Geräte angewiesen zu sein.

Die App bot mir nicht nur eine einfache Bedienung, sondern auch die Möglichkeit, Firmware-Updates durchzuführen, was für mich als Technikenthusiast immer ein wichtiges Kriterium ist. Ich schätzte besonders, dass ich zwischen verschiedenen Betriebsmodi wählen konnte: Ob im Standalone-Modus oder als Teil eines Multiroom-Systems – die Möglichkeiten schienen nahezu grenzenlos.

Persönliche Erfahrungen im mobilen Einsatz:

Das eigentliche Highlight war für mich die Anwendung im mobilen Lautsprecher. Früher war es stets mühsam, einen hochwertigen Sound unterwegs zu gewährleisten. Mit dem Up2Stream Mini konnte ich jedoch eine nahtlose Verbindung zu Musikdiensten wie Spotify und sogar zu meinem NAS herstellen, sodass ich jederzeit Zugriff auf meine gesamte Musiksammlung hatte. Besonders beeindruckend fand ich den Direct Mode: Ohne auf ein vorhandenes WLAN angewiesen zu sein, eröffnete sich mir eine völlig neue Flexibilität im Umgang mit Musik.

Der Klang, den ich aus dem modifizierten Lautsprecher hörte, war überraschend rein und detailreich – ein Beweis dafür, dass Technik nicht immer groß und sperrig sein muss, um beeindruckend zu sein. Selbst bei höheren Lautstärken blieb der Sound klar, ohne störende Verzerrungen oder Rauschen. Dies ist in meinen langjährigen Erfahrungen als Audioliebhaber selten geworden, denn oftmals muss man Abstriche bei der Klangqualität hinnehmen, wenn man auf Mobilität setzt.

Fazit und Ausblick:

Insgesamt hat mich der Up2Stream Mini in meiner täglichen Nutzung überzeugt. Die einfache Integration in meinen tragbaren Lautsprecher, gepaart mit der Flexibilität im Streaming und der herausragenden Klangqualität, macht dieses Gerät zu einem unverzichtbaren Begleiter für alle, die auch unterwegs nicht auf erstklassigen Sound verzichten möchten. Als jemand, der schon viele technische Entwicklungen miterlebt hat, kann ich mit ruhiger Zuversicht sagen, dass der Up2Stream Mini nicht nur ein kleines Gadget ist, sondern ein echter Game-Changer für mobile Audiosysteme darstellt.

Ich empfehle jedem, der auf der Suche nach einer innovativen Lösung für unterwegs ist, sich dieses Modul einmal genauer anzusehen. Mit dem Up2Stream Mini wird aus einem simplen Lautsprecher ein mobiles Kraftpaket – und das ist für einen erfahrenen Genießer wie mich ein echter Mehrwert im Alltag.

I've been using the ACPWorkbench to customize my audio system, and the sound quality improvement is outstanding. The software provides powerful tools that are easy to use and highly effective. Additionally, the customer support team is very responsive and helpful, quickly providing me with a new license key when I needed it. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience!

The H50 (32V) has been in the house for almost 4 weeks, needs to be tested a bit before one can draw a conclusion.
have tried various speakers and subwoofers.
everything from 10" speakers and up to 15" sub.

but..... I landed on a setup, as the amplifier is sold as a "bookshelf"
Some old classics Mission M70.
Klipsch SW-110.
And the combo played out of the office (the office was too small), and into the kitchen/living room.

The amplifier connects easily and quickly to the network and other wireless devices.
and no ugly power on/off sound. as some of the YouTubers have reported.
I also liked that you could remove the terminal screws, so you could more easily install the speaker cables👍

The amplifier connects to Spotify without problems on Android.
and you can easily select the amplifier as playback, and it happens in seconds.
AirPlay 2 works equally well from both iPhone and iPad.

As a hifi head, I am happy that Tidal has support, since Tidal has higher sound quality.
You notice this if you compare playbacks of the same song on both Spotify and Tidal.
But I miss Youtube music support, since it also has higher sound quality than Spotify. Hopefully it will come later. Since this is in software and not hardware.

I also like that the H50 has the option to use the API for a smart home solution, but I have to try that later.
I don't need this yet,
since the amplifier has Alexa support.

It was very easy to link to Alexa, and works excellently with voice control.
Another bonus of the amplifier being Alexa supported is that it automatically came up in my smart home system Homey Pro. Since I have linked Alexa and Homey Pro.

The HDMI arc is one of the highlights of this amplifier, especially if you don't want to have more than one remote control when using it with a TV.
You just plug in the HDMI cable and the TV turns off the internal speakers and the sound comes straight to the H50. And the volume on the H50 is controlled by the TV/TV remote control.

I liked this better than the remote control that comes with the H50.
The remote control that comes with it is a bit of a letdown, because it is of the simplest kind.
But it works as intended.
But this is nothing to complain about, since remote controls are almost 2000s.
In 2025, App control is the thing, since the music player is operated wirelessly from a digital device.

The 4stream app is very easy to use, but feels a little unfamiliar.
and I have one complaint about the app, the EQ in the app.
it has a little too few notches and adjusts the sound.
so I'm considering spending $20 on ACPWorkbench Audio Effect Tool.
but it will have to wait a bit since I'm planning to change PC soon. and the license is tied to 1 specific PC.

price/content in relation to competitors.
Acrylic actually has a hidden secret there 👍

I have to pay import duty of course. but.... Acrylic was so nice to set the value at $12 !!!!!!!!
So the total price was about 23-25% lower than if I had imported from a competitor with roughly the same features.

I am so satisfied that I will buy the S50 pro
and test it against 2 old Elektokompaniet power amplifiers from the early 2000s.

https://www.arylic.com/products/h50-airplay2-amplifier

I bought 2 of the up2stream 2.1 amp boards 2 acrylic cases for said amp boards and also bought an s10+ along with the DSP software package. Super simple to set up and customize via the software. The 4stream app is easy to use and really makes provisioning the devices easy. I have the amp boards powering some bookshelves in the kitchen area as well as the basement play space. The s10+ is attached to my theatre room preamp to provide access to my Spotify premium. I still want to grab a couple of the a50x50 X2 devices for the garage and living area in the house. Easy to use, easy to group areas together for multiroom audio...and no delay, amazing. Would be neat to build a boom box with one of the amazing plate amps too. So happy I came across their products. Very happy customer, I have already started marketing it to my friends for their needs. Such good products.

Works well with Spotify Connect wired directly to the amp and it sounded way better then using bluetooth transmission to the same amp. Truly plug and play, with Ethernet cable, nothing to configure. Bass is tight and detailed while the mids and highs are just as good. For the price I've paid it's a great deal... Great stuff!!

Eine super Basis für so viele Projekte. Mit so einem Modul ist es mein drittes Projekt. Sehr flexibel, umfangreich einzusetzen, viele Anschlussmöglichkeiten. Super Teil, gute Qualität.

I want to say a few items:
1) have bopught and am using Mini unamplified, the pro unamplified and the Pro amplified. in my project. My project was to build a multi-room adio system for my daughter's home. These are the perfect items to do this with as it functions on both NET and BT for my purposes. These were an upgrade as I had tried my own version but using BT only. My 1st project had too much noise in the circuits and did not do well in the house on BT (limited distance).
2) I bought them all (DIY ARYLC) on Amazon and received them quickly and in great shape. The packaging was excellent.
3) the project used my own home built ARYLIC - 3 Li battery pack, the puchased wood box, Peaker port, charging port, 12V to 5V DC mini converter board and a 1S3P BMS. Once connected to the local network on NET, I plugged Bose single cubes. for each remote box. It all came up immediately as advertised, except it would not Group the units.
4) I read several articles that said it was possible, however no luck. I am using the IOS version of 4Stream. Everything I tried Failed. I contacted ARYLIC help. After 6-7 emails back and fourth, no luck. I then remembered reading about a program Go Control. When I installed it, I went back to my 4Stream app and before leaving it, I logged off and relogged into the 4Stream App. Suddenly I could group my systems together like advertised. The version of 4stream did not change so I assume something was installed in Go Control drivers that is not in 4Stream. I am happy to announce that all features in ARYLIC function perfectly, and I am extremely HAPPY with the results!

This system meets and exceeds all expectations and I can say performs excellently. I tested my system verses a $2500 Sonos system and can say it performs that same in my view for SO MUCH less!

Nice product ARYLIC !! Well done.

Steve (Wylie, Tx)

A fusion of vintage elegance and modern technology, designed for discerning audiophiles who appreciate both heritage and innovation. A beautifully restored Nordmende Othello E302 9-tube radio manufactured in 1955, brings back the warmth and charm of classic audio with cutting-edge streaming capabilities. The radio was electronically restored and the damaged cabinet required refinishing. I removed the IR receiver and positioned a new one in the upper left corner of the dial faceplate where I removed a small circle of the paint. I replaced the included WiFi antenna with one that has a longer cable, and, added an external Bluetooth antenna. I tapped into a 245V DC circuit with a variable AC/DC to 5V DC transformer. I added a 1ft. USB cable to the rear so that I could connect to my PC and use the ACPWorkbench to program adjustments for the speakers. Next week I'll install an RJ45 port on the back panel to have the wired network option. I wish this board had a modular connector so I didn't have to solder. I can't believe how nice this sounds! I'm very happy with this board.

Works flawlesly without any degredation in audio quality. No issues with connectivity. Higly recommend it. Manages my whole rig.

I had an old pair of B&W DM602 S3 speakers knocking around and nothing to light them up. After poking around the internet for the cheapest way to give them Airplay, I settled on this little box.

I got the 32v version for no particular reason and, coupled with some acceptable Canare cables, now have really pleasant sound in my office… all burbling through the air courtesy of Apple Music.

With only 50 watts at 8 Ohm, you’re not going to shake any fillings loose, but the music gets plenty loud for a small room - and the quality of the sound stays solid all the way up. The amp doesn’t get too warm, even after hours of play. Between my computer and the phone app, everything that needs controlling is manageable. Software upgrades (2x in three days…) are handled via the app and are simple enough.

Fit and finish are very tidy and solid. The binding posts on the back are small, but seem willing to accept standard bananas. The crowns will fully unscrew and roll away, so pay attention when wiring. Also, flip the Ohm switch to your speakers liking. Easy to miss.

All told, this is a pleasure of an amp. My household audio is a few steps up in cost and listening pleasure with McIntosh gear driving Paradigm S8’s over rather more precious wires. AND that's exactly what makes this so special: for a tiny fraction of the cost, this little box has my office humming and is putting a smile on my face. That’s good value.

I have used my new Acrylic A30+ to update a vintage 60’s HiFi stereo cabinet, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

I looked at, and tried, many other bluetooth amps, but was sold on the A30+ because it also had the WIfI use as well (which is almost impossible to find on other manufactured units - most only have the bluetooth ability. With the A30+ hooked up, I am able to listen to all my iPhone stored audio music, and internet radio, using the WiFi feature … which sounds much better than bluetooth in my opinion.

Using the remote control for the A30+ is my favorite feature. Also using the “4Stream” app on my iPhone works very good too. The “4Stream” app also works very well on my iPhone. Getting used to the ‘4Stream” app takes some time, but once you are familiar with the app, it fairly easy to set-up with the A30+. I also like the fact that with the A30+ “Remote”, I don’t even have to use my iPhone when selecting or playing my (6) favorite stored WiFi streaming radio stations on the “Remote” (SmoothJazz.com being my favorite).

Using an external portable CD payer is another great feature of the A30+. Simply use the 3.5mm “Audio Input Jack”, and you can run various accessories on the A30+.

I have also been very pleased with the Acrylic Customer Service. They were very accessible and always responded to my inquires.

Overall, I love the A30+ Unit, the design is small, it’s features are many, and the sound quality is great. I love it so much I now have three of the A30+ units, and one is just an un-used back-up should anything happen to one of them … as I can’t imagine being without the Acrylic A30+ !

David
Rochester, NY USA

I use it with my Audiolab 6000a amp through optical out.l have now only Spotify. Streaming through the device is so clear and CDquality sound. Tidal and other channels have great music quality. It's EQ settings is very nice and D.bass facility is a great for those who love bass.more over the 4stream application is very nice experience ❤️

It's a very valid product easy to setup and use. I already have 4 in my house. To be perfect I would love to see an official home assistant integration developed by arylic and also an landscape mode in the android app.

Used the Up2Stream Pro board and a small IPS graphic equaliser screen to repurpose a pioneer digital timer. Works a treat.