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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
 
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.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Hi Steve I was looking at the Synchromesh on your site and I think I am reading this right. There is an option for an output that down-samples to 16/44.1 correct? My DAC just does redbook and I have issues when inadvertently streaming MQA albums through Tidal so if that is in fact the case I would fine that very useful. Thanks! If relevant streamer is an Auralic Aries Mini to an Audio Note DAC-3 signature.

Yes, the Synchro-Mesh can be ordered with 24/96 or 16/44.1 output.  Any sample-rate up to 24/192 at the input works.  This will reduce the jitter to 18psec and your AN DAC will love this.  I highly recommend at least putting my Standard BNC cable with RCA adapters on the output side of the Synchro-Mesh.  Actually best if used on both input and output, but you can use any cable you already have on the input.  See:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154918.0

Steve N.

dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
BlueSound is phenomenal!  It is so good I sold my Krell Cipher.  Master quality ripping and streaming for a steal.
mtraesbo
46 posts
 
I I will recommend starting from functionalities and end up with products. Do you want Roon? Then certain products are recommended. Do you want Tidal. Likewise. Are streaming from a computer or phone? To a HiFi? Multi room? Just at home or also mobile?

 Personally I wanted streaming to HiFi and from my phone and I wanted it from router connected by Ethernet and with my phone as remote controller. I wanted Tidal as primary source. 

I did did not know about Roon at the time and opted for a HiFi setup at home and a all-in-system in my summer house and iPhone streaming on the go. As all is based on Tidal I selected streaming products with Tidal build in. 
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