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I need help getting this all to work?

Ok I am only 50 but am so lost with all this new stereo lingo and products. I have a family that wants to listen to music stored on a computer and also be able to listen to Apple radio. I don't want a simple bluetooth speaker. I used to have quality audio equipment and want to get back into listening.

Here is what we have:
3 MacBooks
1 Mac full size computer where ripped cd's (300) are stored
4 apple TV's I think 3 version
Apple airport older version
Apple Airport express
4 Iphones 4-6 versions

Want to have
 
Integrated amp like Hegel 80 and goo speakers 

Want to be able to

Have wife or 12 year old simply play stored music and Apple radio by pressing play and choosing source. No fiddling, no turning on 5 components, little to no drop out, no hassles.

The choice of speakers/amp are a personal choice so I am looking to do that separate unless there is a product such as the Hegel that might eliminate an extra needed product.

Budget besides the above is approx $5k .

I appreciate any help and direction as to how to get this going. I have read and read and think at this point I am confusing the situation even more. Do I already have everything besides amp an speakers?

Thanks

wannastereo
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
most device makers support Mac, and not Android.
Really?  I've had at least a dozen different music servers/streamers through here and the only one that didn't support Android was the Auralic.
erik_squires
16,138 posts
 
mofi,

At least the one’s I went shopping to in the high-end. Auralic was one, Aurender was another.

The big Asian brands all support both.

Happy to be proven wrong, since I'm 95% PC/Linux/Android here.


Best,


E
wannastereo OP
5 posts
 
I appreciate all the help as honestly I just can't believe how things have changes in 10 years. When reading through forums you need a guide to know all the abbreviations and another to figure out what the heck all these products are.

I agree with narrowing it down to sticking with a sole brand in regards to the electronics and choosing the speakers after hearing them.

I am looking into the Naim stuff as my understanding the Atom isn't out yet. I have looked into Bluenote products. Even though I have Apple I think we need a separate storage or NAS? (Im learning the lingo I think?) I liked using ITunes vs a smaller Co app as I don't like hiccups and shortcomings.

The Hegel was interesting until I realized it did not have a standby mode.

I do have a Sony ST950? receiver but the Sony app is horrible and its integration is the reason I want a separate dedicated stereo only set up. Integration sound great but is is not easy to get right.

I appreciate the help.

Can
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,807 posts
 
The Atom is certainly out we have one on display and it sounds amazing!

and it is way better than the Blu Sound stuf we are also an Nad dealer a Blue sound dealer, quite frankly we sell most of the major brands.

If you are interested in streaming it is our specaility. 

Dave 
Audio Doctor NJ
ljgerens
157 posts
 
I have a system very similar to what you presently have and have been using it for over 4 years without any issues. i have never had a dropout or failure to play music. All you need to do to get started is a DAC, amplifier, and speakers. You may want to upgrade your Apple Airport Router. Refurbished Airport Extremes are routinely available for $129.

I have an iMac and a MacBook Air with our music files all on iTunes on both computers. I have 3 Apple TVs and an Airport Express all connected to stereo systems in different rooms. The Apple TVs and Airport Express are connected via an optical cable to DACs which are connected to an amplifier. I can stream my music from either computer to either stereo system wirelessly. My wife and I use our iPhones or iPads as a remote control with the iTunes Remote App. So we can be in any room and select any music file or playlist and stream it to that room. As long as the amplifier and DAC are turned on anyone can operate the iPhone or iPad as a remote and play music in any of 4 different rooms. In fact my 2 1/2 year old grandson can operate my systems on his iPad. He has his own playlist and routinely plays music in our rec room.
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