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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
sevs
301 posts
 
Quick Question to all "in the know".
Since yesterday I am using $35 Google Chromecast dongle to stream Tidal from iPad or Win7 into my Naim Audio stereo. Once I get mini-Toslink cable, I will use Wadia 781i as a DAC. 
Any comments on the benefits of getting more expensive "streamer" (I am more than happy with Wadia's DAC!) will be considered. Million Thanks!!
willemj
1,036 posts
 
In terms of streaming you are fine, esp. if you use the Chromecast's digital output. Its digital output has been shown to be bitperfect, and bitperfect is bitperfect. That digital  output is relatively jittery, but not to the extent that a good DAC could not deal with that.
You say you are also streaming from Win 7, I assume casting from a tab in Chrome on the computer. Sonically that is inferior to using the tablet or your phone to cast.
sevs
301 posts
 
Got it! I will use iPad instead of Win7, Many Thanks!!!
I just noticed that Tidal gives Master Quality option only thru its desktop app. But Tidal/Desktop does not connect to Chromecast.  "cast" option becomes available only when Tidal is launched from under GoogleChrome. Bummer!!
And to make Chromecast work with iTunes or JRiver will be a separate headache...
sevs
301 posts
 
Just a quick update for all the other "newbies" like myself. $35 Chromecast got connected to my Wadia 781i working as a DAC, streaming Tidal from iPad in Hi-Fi (Master Quality is on my to-do list, any tips will be greatly appreciated! Maybe it needs MQA decoder?)
sounds pretty decent, now I am considering signing up with Tidal for another 3 months of free streaming... 
bullitt5094's avatar
bullitt5094
266 posts
 
Buy an Intel NUC kit with a suitable sized HD and Windows 10. Add JRiver for music management. Buy an external DAC. Schitt Audio has a great variety from a $99 Modi2 to a $2400 Yggy. I had the Bifrost Multibit and it was very good for $600. Control JRIver from any cheap android tablet. Here is a NUC you may want to consider... https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAA0S6135083 Plus now you have a fully functional Widows computer. You can load any other software you want to on it.
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