2. digital
  3. 175408-120426

Wanting to upgrade my streaming sound quality.

I would really like to get my streaming sq up to my analog sq. My equipment is a McIntosh MC 452, C47, TD 124 with an AT 150 SA on a SME M2-9 tone arm, a Rega P8 with an Alpheta 3, a restored MR 74 tuner, driving Aerial 7t speakers. My streaming now is an iPad with a usb cable into my preamp with Tidal. I would be willing to spend around $2500 . A one box solution would be preferable for a steamer/dac combo although two boxes could also work. I’m not interested in multiple clocks and separate power supplies etc. Also I don’t use CD’s for a source.  I do have AT&T fiber internet with up to 1000 mb speed and my modem is only around 5 feet from my audio rack. Balanced inputs is preferable but not a deal breaker. I’ve looked at the HiFi Rose 250 and the 150 although the latter is more money than I want to spend. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m an Analog guy in a digital world.

Greg

128x128gphill
tuberist
951 posts
 

+1 Axo….good post.

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
989 posts
 

If you want digital to sound as good as your analogue set up then spend close to that amount and don’t limit it to a third of your analogue’s cost.If you want digital to sound as good as your analogue set up then spend close to that amount and don’t limit it to a third of your analogue’s cost.

 

This is where I am, got nearly same invest in both. Couple things its made me realize. 1)Not sure I want to keep buying vinyl given where retail pricing has gone and storing the media. 2) How crappy many vinyl recordings actually are.

 

I got 2 issues of the American pressings of the Beatles white album. They both have inferior SQ. Hop over the Qobuz and fire up the 2018 remaster and it sound much better. I searched around for the UK pressing which is supposed to be good. Found one in Canada for $100+ and no telling what its gonna look like when you get it.   Or fork the big $ for the remaster LP. :/ I am thinking of saving my $ and continuing to tweak the streamer config.

larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 

I wish I could find a dealer in town that can demonstrate different streamers to hear the difference using the same components and speakers.  

gphill's avatar
gphill OP
130 posts
 

Jj thanks for the affirmation. I sure hope you’re right. I bought the last one Crutchfield had in stock, so I can send it back within 60 days if I want. Last night I was listening to Tidal masters through my iPad and dac in my preamp, it was very enjoyable. Im hoping the Rose is going to be a big step up.

sns
3,256 posts
 

My vinyl collection is at least 90% pre 1990's purchases or gifted. While some of the newer vinyl has great sound, some is digital original mastering or remastering, pure analog masters, no digital ever sounds best to me. Vinyl prices would certainly be an obstacle for those just starting a vinyl collection.

 

There have been times when I've thought about liquidating my vinyl, tempted when I see prices of used vinyl. Since I purchased cheap back in the day, this has turned out to be good investment. The question is does the benefit of playing vinyl outweigh the financial gain of liquidating? Financial gain of liquidating entire vinyl setup also part of equation. I either need to upgrade vinyl setup big time or walk away. I bet any number of audiophiles have come to this place and decided to sell off vinyl. The better digital gets the more will come to this realization.

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