Streaming for beginner


I have a PS Audio front end-- DMP disc player and DirectSteam DAC. Very happy with the resolution and performance, especially from my redbook cd collection. For those familiar with the DSD, it is upgradable via a network bridge card to become a dedicated streamer. When I bought this DAC, I was looking ahead to an eventual migration to streaming.
I also have a Spotify account, that currently only serves me as a companion to my iPhone during walks and exercise.

My question: assume my goal is to stream for convenience, simplicity, and achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s. I am not looking to purchase music or download it for storage. What am I missing? I also have a dedicated iPad that can serve as the interface to the DAC/Streamer. Spotify also claims that streaming in high resolution is available on my account. Do I need anything else? Am I oversimplifying this?

I am a beginner when it comes to streaming, so please answer in simple terms since I will not be familiar with a lot of the services and components mentioned elsewhere in these forums. In fact, confusing enough for me that it is forcing me to ask here.


mbiondo
Spotify's high quality setting is still lossy compression (320 kbps) and is more than sufficient for walking and exercise, not so much otherwise. For higher quality streams you need a service like Qobuz or Tidal. Have you already upgraded your DAC with the network card? If yes, seems like you're all set in the hardware department. I'm sure you're aware PS Audio has their own forum with friendly and helpful folks. Best of luck.
Thanks, Melvinjames.  How do you compare the quality and resolution of Tidal to cds?   I have not yet purchased the network card.  Following this discussion I plan to purchase it and whatever else I may need to make the plunge into streaming.   
Hi,
Sounds like with the optional network card you should be all set. For achieving the best SQ you may choose to try Qobuz or Tidal, remember Tidal utilizes MQA for hi-res playback, be sure your streamer supports it.

For myself, I tried Tidal for about 6 months and Qobuz for the same amount of time. In the end, I came back to Spotify's high quality streaming family plan. I found I much preferred Spotify's user interface, playlists and overall selection of music to be better for me.

Good luck!  
grm, thanks. Yes, the Bridge II network card does support MQA. Sounds like what I need is this card and Tidal and I’m all set. Even I can manage this. Oh, I forgot to mention, I do already have WiFi. Haha.
Tidal without MQA sounds much better than Spotify...Spotify is fun, but sound quality is poor...MQA is unnecessary...if you are going to use Spotify don't spend very much on your streamer...