Questions from a noob on digital streaming


Ok, I am a noob.... I apologize here in the beginning.

I have been a vinyl guy since forever....

I have been considering a change to digital for several months and finally started to make the transition. I just sold my turntable so there is no going back, and believe me the decision was brutal to make. But I am happy with my new path....but still a bit anxious.

I am currently using a Cambridge magic plus through a tube Pre and tube mono blocks. I am planning on getting the direct stream Jr. and this is where my questions start.


I have been using Audirvana to play Tidal with my current Cambridge Dac...

I see that DS Jr. has installed ability to play Tidal, and use Roon.....

Does this mean I can play Tidal without using Roon or other player with the DS Jr. and MConnect Controller?

What are the pros and cons of this if true, compared to using Audirvana or Roon or Jriver?

Can I use Audirvana to play tidal through the DS Jr. ?

What are the pros and cons of this vs Tidal direct through the DS Jr.  or roon  or Jriver  etc.?

What I think I understand is...Tidal is a streaming service (check), audirvana and roon are players used to play the stream and send to the Dac (check)????? But the DS Jr is a streamer ????? Why is one better than another? And which should I use?

A bit confused, and I have been trying to do my own research, Im just not quite getting what is what and why one may be better than another.



I am trying to sell a quicksilver pre-amp to complete my purchase of the DS Jr.....It's on audiongon YOU SHOULD BUY IT !!:-)

Also, since I am selling the tube pre and using the Jr as a pre.....will the power tube amps smooth out the digital sound????

OR  should I get the Gain Cell, which I could today, and keep the Tube pre???? Seems a waste to have a tube pre with no turntable and switching strictly to streaming.

I HATE confusion....

Thank you,

TD


tonydennison
The DSjr is a DAC with a built in streamer, the Bridge II. There are other streamer/DAC combos that you may want to consider.

I think you need to slow down a little and keep your preamp and amp so that you have a solid reference to judge the sound of whatever streamer/DAC you purchase. Also, some people like to go direct from streamer/DAC to amp, some, like me, prefer a preamp in between. I’d try both ways before you sell anything.

Some streamer/DACs require a wired connection to your wifi router (that’s called an ethernet connection) and that will require you to have your router near your stereo or run a long section of cat 6 (or 7 or 8) wire to your stereo. Some streamers will work with a wireless connection (wifi).

What I would suggest that you do is buy a Bluesound Node 2 for $500 or less. It is a streamer/DAC combo, it is Tidal ready, you can run it with either a wifi or ethernet connection and it has analog outputs that you can connect to your preamp or amp.

It has its own own app for your phone or tablet which you download (for free) from the Apple store or Google Play for the Android version. You use the app to connect to Tidal (or other services), to select music and to control the volume if you go direct to amp. It is as close to plug and play as you’ll get. There is some setup involved but the instructions are clear and you can email support for help or whoever you buy it from can probably help with any problems you have.

The Node 2 may sound plenty good enough for you, but if you want to spend thousands for a better streamer later, you won’t lose much reselling it.

I think you can get access to the Tidal webpage that lists all the devices that are Tidal compatible without having an account so you can research some of them, if you want. Tidal offers at least a 30 day free trial so take advantage of that when you sign up for an account.

That’s my advice. We can talk about roon or other programs once you get comfortable with streaming with the Node 2.
There is an ad for a Bluesound Node 2 for $375 but the description says the title is a mistake, it is a Node (1).  I'm not familiar with the Node but I would get a Node 2.

Also when a streamer is Tidal ready it means you can access Tidal via their own app (which is horrible). If its ROON ready you can access compatible hardware and mix and match (well easily enough), and if a device such as a streamer is Tidal and Roon ready, you are on your way, just use ROON if preferred. It is IMO very good. Just remember the Tidal app is rubbish, but it accesses Tidal via various hardware including mobile phones...