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Streamer recommendations for dummies.

I’m new at this.
I need an e-net streaming device for AirPlay that can be set to a specific gain to prevent iTunes users from overwhelming my amp with the preset volume on their device. Anything above 60% is too much.
It would be nice to be able to EQ at the streamer as well, but the big problem is volume; when an iOS or OSX device sends a song to my amp at high volume (ear bud volume) it basically blows my bookshelf speakers off the stand.
Equipment:
amp: Hegel H160 -150 W RMS X2,   32-bit AKM DAC @ 24/192 except USB at 24/96 on 1 GB e-net.
speakers: SF Concerto on stands.Ben
casteeb
casteeb OP
28 posts
 
Sounds perfect, like you, I’m not sure I’m getting a better DAC with node2i. As I am not an audiophile I don’t follow this stuff very closely but it appears the node2i DAC has about the same specs as the Hegel built in 32-bit AKM DAC @ 24/192. I’m told I missed the "oppo udp 205" option... but that’s normal for me, if there is a "great deal" you can be assured I missed it :)Thanks for all the feedback, it’s nice to get opinions from other folks experience. So maybe selling out ARPANET  wasn’t such a bad idea after all.Ben



audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,869 posts
 
Casteeb,
If I am not mistaken the Hegel H160 can steam directly over ethernet.
If that is correct all you would need would be either a laptop or a desktop computer or a dedicated server on the same wifi/ethernet network as what you would plug the H160 into.
You can then use Roon and stream directly to the Hegel. Roon has a built in dsp for room correction and a digital eq. as well.

An Innuous server would be our recommendation as a dedicated server will sound even better than a conventional computer sending data over the network.

Dave and TroyAudio Doctor NJ
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
The digital volume control in LUMIN products is independent of the AirPlay source volume setting. So that means even if a guest has their iTunes/iPhone volume set to max, but the LUMIN is set at 50%, the music will come out pretty quiet. It'll actually be lower than if you had selected 50% in iTunes (I just tried this to confirm).
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,869 posts
 
Why would this gentleman need a Dac based streamer sucn a Node when the Hegel has a good dac built in?

He can go with:

1:  Wired steaming via any computer in the Network
2:  Dedicated server Innuous or Lumin or Auralic for high quality digital output direct particularly via USB for upsampling and or upconversion via Roon.
3: A dac based server and go analog out if that dac sounds better or use a digital out ie a Node. 

We love the Node and sell and endorse them however, an amplifier with USB can often accept an upconverted data stream via USB which usally sounds better than running an SPDIF or AES input.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ




djones51
4,947 posts
 
I guess because  the gentleman  asked for a streamer he could control the volume to keep people  that are using itunes and Airplay from blowing his speakers off the stands and in the Hegel manual it states Warning check itunes volume because the H160 will set it's volume to match iTunes when iTunes  starts playing to the H160 and certain family members aren't complying so he wanted a streamer to put between all of the iphones and ipads to limit the volume. That's the  only reason I can think of. 
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