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Do I Need a Dedicated Streamer?

Hello everyone,

As the title states, I am still unsure of if I need a dedicated streamer and if it would increase the fidelity of my music compared to how I am listening at the moment. Which is using AirPlay 2 from my iPhone to my Hegel H590 Integrated amp.

 

I know that the DAC in the Hegel H590 is considered quite good and it was one of the reasons that I bought the amplifier to begin with. However, would I get a better input using a dedicated streamer for around $1000 (such as the Cambridge CXNV2 for example) or would I be better off leaving things as is?

I am just not sure if airplaying music to the Hegel is degrading the signal in comparison to a streamer that would pull its own data and send it directly to the amplifier? Also, would improving my router placement and wifi signal make any difference to the sound since my Hegel is hardwired using a mesh wifi system?

 

I am open to switching streaming platforms if I can gain something out of it such as resolution but I’m not sure if apple music is the issue in any of this.

 

If the answer to the title is a no. I am curious what I would need to take the quality of my listening experience to the next level or where money would be better spent to achieve that. I do have acoustic panels in my room and have done my fair share of research on speaker placement already.

 

The only thing that I have been considering in the near-future would have to be the isoacoustics gaia 1 feet.

 

My equipment:

Hegel H590 Integrated

KEF Reference 5 Meta

Metra Velox Speaker Cables

 

Thanks for reading.

danb99
boxcarman
413 posts
 

@danby99.  You've got great gear.  Streaming from you computer is your weakest source.  You have invested $$ into your system, just spend some more to get the best results.  

motown-l
182 posts
 

I am using a PC for streaming, mostly due to budget constraints. The PC is hooked to the router/modem via ethernet cable. The PC sends the stream, via USB, to the internal DAC of the AMP (Cambridge Audio CXA 81). I have also installed a jitter filter between PC and AMP, which helped considerably. I am using an Audioquest Forrest USB cable and plan to purchase an upgraded LAN cable. 

I know this is not optimal but it's still better than streaming from my iPhone via Bluetooth, even though my amp does a better than average job. The PC can also stream FLAC files, via Amazon HD, My Bluetooth is limited to 24/48, which is still CD quality plus.

motown-l
182 posts
 

BTW, thank you yage for the links. Very helpful.

 

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
208 posts
 

I'm a H590 owner and will get right to my points.

You have the bones for an awesome system but have to get a decent streamer.  Right now you're driving a Shelby Mustang in first gear only (there are 5 more upshifts).  To realize the full potential of the KEFs I would look for a streamer $2k and up.

 

I would forget USB out of a mac mini into the Hegel, the jitter will compromise what the rest of the system can do.

 

Hardwiring (no wifi) will be superior to keep the noise down.  I even went to the length to remove two network switches that were splitting signals and when to a home run from the router directly to my streamer and got a noticeable improvement which was a very inexpensive upgrade.  Many of the dedicated high end streamers don't even have a wifi option and they do it for a reason.

 

I personally run Isoacoustic feet on my speakers and subs.  I have a floating hardwood floor and the aftermarket feet are worth the investment esp. for the subs.  If you have hard floors give them a try.  Not sure what the result would be  over carpeted flooring.  Maybe another user could advise us?

 

Bottom line is you have a fantastic system and a $2K+ investment in a really good streamer IMO will bump up your SQ by 20% or maybe more.  Airplay is your weak link.

 

If you want to try the shallow end of the pool--first try Tidal connect with a free trial.  Tidal connect is HQ audio, similar but different to the high rez Apple music option.  Connect your H590 directly to your network via the Lan port and once your Hegel is on your personal network you can bypass airplay and play Tidal connect directly from your network.  This will be a OMG moment where the soundstage will get wider, deeper and the bass will be MUCH cleaner.  Good luck and cheers.

tk21
238 posts
 

Node uses BLuOS (probably the best) 

I'd agree that BluOS provides a very good UI, but IMO Roon is even better. For BluOS, you need a BlueSound device. You can install Roon Core on your Mac Mini then control it from your iPhone or laptop.  One thing I do really like about BluOS is its programmable IR remote capabilities. 

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