@big_greg Thank you so much!
Another streaming newbie
Guys, I have tried to search and figure this out, because I know this topic has been well-covered. But I am still wandering in the dark, so plz forgive my redundant questions....
First, here's my current rig,: I built a Lenco table 15 yrs ago with a JMW 10 arm/London Super Gold that I run into a phono pre that I built from a pretty high end kit (can't see the name, have no idea what it is now!) thru a VTL tube IT-85 integrated amp and then thru some SF Electa Amator II, supported by a sub I built. So pretty mid-fi setup, but it really works for me. Sounds great, to my ears.
The Covid thing has me home (no golf in Los Angeles!), listening to music more. Would love to stream something that approaches the vinyl sound quality with a music service, but being retired, budget is more a concern now... I just subscribed to TIDAL with its premium level (MQA) that I was running straight from my iphone 6 to the VTL. Meh. Then my daughter ran same stuff through her iphone 11 and, hey, that sounded better. So, clearly, I am in need of a streaming DAC.
I know MQA gets mixed reviews. I have no way really to test this or to go listen to stuff. Everything is shut down here. So here's the criteria that matters most to me:
Thanks for your input. Chuck
First, here's my current rig,: I built a Lenco table 15 yrs ago with a JMW 10 arm/London Super Gold that I run into a phono pre that I built from a pretty high end kit (can't see the name, have no idea what it is now!) thru a VTL tube IT-85 integrated amp and then thru some SF Electa Amator II, supported by a sub I built. So pretty mid-fi setup, but it really works for me. Sounds great, to my ears.
The Covid thing has me home (no golf in Los Angeles!), listening to music more. Would love to stream something that approaches the vinyl sound quality with a music service, but being retired, budget is more a concern now... I just subscribed to TIDAL with its premium level (MQA) that I was running straight from my iphone 6 to the VTL. Meh. Then my daughter ran same stuff through her iphone 11 and, hey, that sounded better. So, clearly, I am in need of a streaming DAC.
I know MQA gets mixed reviews. I have no way really to test this or to go listen to stuff. Everything is shut down here. So here's the criteria that matters most to me:
- A great UI app because now streaming is like going to the Smithsonian. There's a lot to organize.
- Great sound. (whatever that means!)
- One box. Cables get expensive & messy.
- I'd like to keep it under $2K. I'd really like to keep it under $1K, but that may be wishful thinking. I mean, is Bluesound Node 2 up to it? I am sure it would beat my daughters iphone 11, but ... what are reasonable streamers/DACS? Where's the killer solution that isn't $10K? I know it's out there....
Thanks for your input. Chuck
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- 118 posts total
I stream with Qobuz using an iPhone 6s to an Audioengine B1 connected to a tube preamp. I’ve tried Pandora, Apple, Spotify and Tidal but presently am using Qobuz and prefer the sound quality even at lower steaming settings. The Audioengine B1 is a cheap entry to streaming but sounds very good to me.. |
So many choices, so many options, I went through this streaming delimia awhile back also. I was after ease of use and a wide selection of streaming services. Also to intergrate whatever I decided on with my existing old school stereo rig. I already have a good external DAC so my hunt was a little easier.I also didn't want to break the back in the process. It's not mentioned, but I came across the Audiolab 6000N that uses: Play-Fi https://play-fi.com/ for the software interface and it does have an internal DAC : ES9018 Sabre32 Reference chip. It does not have a display, but 6 preset buttons. and its also wi fi ready, and for $600 it dies exactly what I want in a streamer. It won What Hi Fi streamer of the year award for what's that's worth |
- 118 posts total