I think you really need to spend a few months streaming before you make any serious decisions about streaming or what to purchase...
Where do I go from here?
We finally moved into a home that allows me to unbox the remnants of a system that I boxed up almost 20 years ago. After two decades, I'd forgotten what I had until I unboxed a pair of Martin Logan Class, a pair of Acoustat 1+1s, a Robertson 6010. At one point I owned a BAT VK-60, butsold that and an Audible Illusions preamp around 2008...a decision that I regret today. I also uncovered new replacement panels for the CLSs. Since this stuff has been boxed-up I've been away from audio completely. That's about to change. I plan to continue enjoying the CLSs and plan to return to tube tube amps. I loved the VK-60's sound and it looks fantastic.
My question is more about streaming. My sense is that I get away with a streamer, subscribe to a service, and use it as my pre-amp connected to the power amps. .. Is it that simple? I don't want to deal with CDs or vinyl. I want to simplify my life. I'm looking for feedback. Is my plan viable?
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@elliottbnewcombjr, @carlsbad2, @jl35 Thank you for your responses as I try to work through next steps. The room si-ze is approximately 16' x 28'. I've assembled one of the Acoustats, plugged it in and hear an occasional crackle (or pop) in the panel. Not sure if that'll be a problem, but will know once I assemble the second panel and get a signal thorough them. Regardless, I expect to mainly use the CLSs. Electrostatics, IMHO, are hard to beat for the music that I enjoy and I plan on getting an ML sub. I need to wrap my head around the DAC in terms of options available. It's on my to-do list this week. @tonydennison - PS Audio is on my list. I'll have a better handle on this by week's end and will report back.
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When you get a DAC make sure that it has a USB input (most do). You can get started with streaming by using a laptop connected to the DAC with USB. It's best to hardwire the PC to the router vs. using wifi. I have my ASUS gaming laptop hooked up to my DAC and the only service I subscribe to is Qobuz. I've compared the streamed content to the corresponding CD on a number of titles and they sound virtually identical. If there is some sort of bad juju coming from the computer I can't hear it. [I'm running an Audio Mirror Tubadour IV DAC] The reason I suggest this is because there are a zillion different streaming options and you should take your time to figure out what you want when you go for a dedicated streamer. This simple setup lets you get your feet wet and get a sense of where you want to go next. I feel that you should look into Roon because it provides some powerful features but it's not for everyone. If you decide to go that route you will have to buy a streamer that is compatible. In short, don't get lost in the weeds when you get started. Many of us have a spare laptop that we can use for streaming and it is a simple way to get going. |
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