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Newbie Looking for Advice on Streaming Music

Hello Audiogon world.

I am new to this hobby but I think it will suit me well as it looks like it is an endless pursuit of perfection of sound without ever really getting there.  I love the endless possibilities, difference in thought, technology driven aspect mixed with old school art.

I am in the process of building my first 2 channel set up and recently picked up a Primaluna Dialogue HP and a pair of Sonus Faber Chameleons for starters.

Im looking to stream music from Tidal to the new equipment as simple as possible without compromising sound as much as I possibly can (budget permitting of course)

I have been doing some research and I must say this part of the equation is rather confusing with a lot of technical speak that gets brought into the discussion which is a bit overwhelming for a newbie trying to soak it all in.

Do I need to purchase a high quality DAC?
Can I just buy a streaming box like the Paradigm PW Link or Def Tech W Adapt and hook it into the Primaluna?
Do I go with the Halide Design DAC HD D/A Converter from computer straight into Primaluna?
I also read about the wyred4sound modified Sonos Connect.  Does that plus into a DAC or straight into Amp?

Apologies for all the newbie questions.  I did try searching and doing some research but found myself getting confused.  If someone could help me clear up what I will need that will set me on the path to researching the best value for my budget for each component I will need to accomplish my goals of streaming my music from Tidal.

Thanks in advance.  I think this will be a fun hobby!

Don

donblackie
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Congratulations on the purchase of a PS Audio DAC. I have one, and I love it. How are you enjoying Your new set up?
marktomaras
544 posts
 
 By the way, doesn’t the direct stream Junior have a built-in PS audio bridge 2? This allows you to stream without the chrome cast. I have an older perfect wave DAC MK2  with bridge Mark 2 and this is the set up I use.  No streamer, a computer plugged into the DAC via ethernet cable, and that’s it.  I control the system using Roon software, a very good audio control and organizational app.  You may be able to use the Tidal app directly with the latest bridge firmware, but don’t quote me on that.

i can tell you, my PS Audio Dac sounds far better when using the PS Audio bridge than using USB
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
@audioengr

Great that you are measuring jitter, however, you are just using your ears to judge if a DAC rejects jitter and sounds right - in fact you claim that no DACs successfully reject jitter which is counter to several manufacturers claims as well as independent test results ? How do you reconcile your conflicting approach when there already exists a jitter J test which is used by Stereophile and which is part of the measurement suite offered with Audio Precision test equipment(the world leader in audio test gear)?

Also I am curious that a jitter expert does not use AP test equipment? Is there a problem with AP equipment also? Just curious because you make many claims but your approach is let’s say - rather unorthodox.




audioengr
3,282 posts
 

shadorne

I suspect that differences in SQ when changing cables or sources on S/PDIF can be heard in DACs with low J test jitter.  I just don't put much stock in this method.  I have yet to hear ANY DAC that is immune to jitter on the S/PDIF input.

The B/W of AP equipment is insufficient to do direct jitter measurements.  I need the 7GHz scope.

I like to think outside the box.  That is what sets my products apart from the pack.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
No streamer, a computer plugged into the DAC via ethernet cable, and that’s it.

You must be using a swap cable to go directly from computer to DAC with Ethernet.

Would probably get better SQ using a router with a LPS with earth ground tied to DC common to wire to the DAC.  Leakage is a significant problem across Ethernet interfaces.

If you cannot do this, at least get a EMO EN-70e isolator and put it in the cable.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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