I use SlimProto (
SlimProto TCP protocol - SqueezeboxWiki), the same protocol used by Logitech Media Server (
Logitech Media Server - SqueezeboxWiki). In other words, SlimStreamer mimics Logitech Media Server. This protocol came a long way; companies like Slim Devices and Logitech put a lot of expertise into it: SlimProto is the next version of SLIMP3, it supports lots of codecs, it allows using various sample rates, synchronisation, DSD over PCM (have not tested), … However the main reason I have chosen using it – players can be Pi Model A or Zero with decent DAC running a single SW player (squeezelite). The rest of the music functionality is done on server (regular player, MPD, Mopidy, Spotify, ShairPlay, …).