Streaming Spotify

Thanks for your response. Here’s something else concerning streaming with a DAC: the connection to the amp. Since the amp inputs are connected to the pre-amp, would I have to choose which music input -- preamp or dac.

OR is there another solution that gives me the flexibility?

Yes.

Yes.

If you don’t know all hope is lost. My previous one did. I didn’t like it.

If you want decent sound lose the phone and get a dedicated player

Streamer —> DAC —> preamp —> amp —> speakers.

or

Streamer/DAC —> preamp —> amp —> speakers

While theoretically one could output DAC to amp. Well, let’s just say except for a very few people with incredible dedication and desire to do it. Keeping a preamp in the middle will result in the very best sound.

Since you are talking about Spotify, I wouldn’t sweat it. It’s lossy audio so what does it matter?

Generally audiophiles prefer Qobuz first and then Tidal. I had Tidal for a year or so, my audio guy persistently pestered me to switch to Qobuz… I did, he was right.