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Newbie Looking for Advice on Streaming Music

Hello Audiogon world.

I am new to this hobby but I think it will suit me well as it looks like it is an endless pursuit of perfection of sound without ever really getting there.  I love the endless possibilities, difference in thought, technology driven aspect mixed with old school art.

I am in the process of building my first 2 channel set up and recently picked up a Primaluna Dialogue HP and a pair of Sonus Faber Chameleons for starters.

Im looking to stream music from Tidal to the new equipment as simple as possible without compromising sound as much as I possibly can (budget permitting of course)

I have been doing some research and I must say this part of the equation is rather confusing with a lot of technical speak that gets brought into the discussion which is a bit overwhelming for a newbie trying to soak it all in.

Do I need to purchase a high quality DAC?
Can I just buy a streaming box like the Paradigm PW Link or Def Tech W Adapt and hook it into the Primaluna?
Do I go with the Halide Design DAC HD D/A Converter from computer straight into Primaluna?
I also read about the wyred4sound modified Sonos Connect.  Does that plus into a DAC or straight into Amp?

Apologies for all the newbie questions.  I did try searching and doing some research but found myself getting confused.  If someone could help me clear up what I will need that will set me on the path to researching the best value for my budget for each component I will need to accomplish my goals of streaming my music from Tidal.

Thanks in advance.  I think this will be a fun hobby!

Don

donblackie
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,826 posts
 
I too am looking at the Oppo Sonica, DAC.  Seems to give the most Bang for the buck.

JD

Now if only Charter would give me clean, STABLE, internet...
keithtexas
352 posts
 

Steve, shadorne, willemj,

Thanks for your discussion here. I’m in a similar situation. I have a W4SDac2DSD, which is not bad, but am looking into what I need to start streaming Tidal, Spotify, etc. I have an old MacMini that I’m using for personal computing (home office) that I may convert to audio-only use. I’ve also been eyeing higher end streamers, and I’ve also been looking at NOS R2R ladder dacs, like Metrum, Denafrips, etc. Any thoughts and discussion are appreciated.

snbeall
63 posts
 
I may have missed it somewhere along the way here, but a significant consideration with respect to the Bluesound that has not been touched upon is MQA compatibility. Streaming Tidal MQA is a real treat. If you want a single box solution with VERY good sound, the Bluesound PowerNode 2 is a streamer, MQA compatible DAC, and amplifier all in one. Amplifier is high quality (NAD). The Node2 has the same MQA compatibility BTW. The Powernode 2 has a subwoofer out (and internal fixed 80hz crossover you can turn on or off). I use it with some nice Monitor Audio Gold 50's and a Velodyne compact sub to VERY good effect. Don't know how you can be up and running MQA with quality amplification any easier or cheaper - while you research separates. You may decide they aren't necessary...  
willemj
1,036 posts
 
I personally think MQA is bogus, but if others prefer to believe otherwise that is up to them. Similarly I do not believe streamers themselves make much of a sonic contribution, if any. If there is one, it is in the DAC. For 16/44 all I can say that that is really not a serious challenge anymore for remotely decent DAC chip sets. So as long as streaming Tidal etc is only 16/44 there is little point in worrying too much.
For most people a DAC with variable ouput is a great pre amplifier, unless you insist on an analogue input (but for those there is e.g. the Marantz HD DAC1, plus of course the Benchmark DAC3 in a different price bracket).
jond's avatar
jond
5,861 posts
 
@audioengr Hi Steve I was looking at the Synchromesh on your site and I think I am reading this right. There is an option for an output that down-samples to 16/44.1 correct? My DAC just does redbook and I have issues when inadvertently streaming MQA albums through Tidal so if that is in fact the case I would fine that very useful. Thanks! If relevant streamer is an Auralic Aries Mini to an Audio Note DAC-3 signature.
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