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Trying to make sense of the new and improved world of streaming music

I did my due diligence and read and searched in the forums, but I am still trying to make sense of streaming music and making happen in my system. So I will try and stay on topic of my post. Not sure if this should be separate posts or all in one. For now I will make it all one post. I am not new to the concept of streaming music - but I am new to how to get it to work with my av gear -

Problem:

I would like to get this setup on a beer budget if possible btw... so no dedicated $2k streamers etc...

Need to stream content to Marantz AV7704. I want to stream my current library ( stored on an hd on my PC to my 7704 ) AND music from streaming services - to same system. Have read that HEOS is not the best way to do this?

My current hdw setup:

-Marantz AV7704 w/ ext amp ( obviously ) w/ HEOS app - which I am currently using to stream music controlled by mobile phone app

-PC is located 40 ft from AV system - connected to network - has entire music library on it - but I can put library on ext drive or move it to laptop if needed -

- Laptop - win10 - not currently used to control content sent to AV7704

-mobile phone - Samsung Note 10+ - HEOS app controls content

-Roku 4k device near Marantz AV7704 - using apps to stream music

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Questions:


Will the Tidal phone app allow you to playback in hi-res? I ask - because the Amazon app apparently does not support hi-res playback at this time...

What is the ’best’ setup for controlling and accessing the new world of streaming? Roon? etc?

What is the most efficient and best sounding way to stream music to take advantage of the higher quality streaming that services like AmazonHD, Tidal, Qobuz offers?

Will the choice of device ( laptop, pc, Roku, mobile phone, dedicated streamer ) affect the sound quality of the streaming services - if all were to be connect to same DAC of choice?

What adapters, cables, dacs is recommended to get up and running - that will not break the bank?

What are the cable of choice for most?? Is it USB? HDMI? SPDIF? or just a CAT 6 Network cable?

Will using mobile phone or laptop connected to av7704 via hdmi or usb.... ’sound’ better than using the HEOS app on mobile phone casting?

Does the ’quality’ of the CAT6 cables that connects my 7704 to my switch matter?

I DO see my music library in the HEOS app on my 7704 - but how would I ’improve’ the sound quality of the library - being so far away from the 7704? Will a dedicated sound card matter?

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What is the best way to manage/control/access the streaming services? Just the basic services and their apps? Or is it better to use Roon? Plex? Audiovana? Node2? Will it improve sound quality at all? Etc?


Thank you very much in advance.

- BW




lightfighter2018
gdnrbob
4,451 posts
 
Wow, you have a lot of questions, but that's what the forum is for...
If I were you, I would look at Bluesound. The Node is a very good buy for the money, and its' internal DAC-though not great- is pretty good.
Bluesound has access to quite a number of streaming services (even Amazon).
Given your desire/budget, I wouldn't concern myself with cables.

If and when you are ready to move up the ladder, I would look for either a separate DAC for the Bluesound, or perhaps move to an Aurender (though Aurender doesn't offer the wide range of streaming services like Bluesound). 
As far as inexpensive DAC's, I use the Ayre Codex. Though the Schiit Gungnir and Yggy are close competitors and similarly priced.
Bob
mahler123
3,373 posts
 
you have many ways that you can go here.  I would get a Bluesound Node 2 or 2i and connect that to your processor.  I would then back up your collection, which is relatively small, to a separate HD and attach that via usb to the Node.  The advantages here would be:
1) moving the HD directly to the music system, not having to worry about it being some distance from your main system.
2) it eliminates HEOS from the equation.
You shouldn’t need a NAS for this, a simple HD will do.

a viable alternative would be to back your HD to an SD Card for your mobile phone.  Android phones can take SD cards up to 2TB.  You can then stream to your Marantz via AirPlay or Bluetooth, if your processor offers those functions.  If not, then you can purchase a great BT DAC from Audioengine for under $200.  I have one in on of my home systems and it’s great for just wanting to stream tunes from my, or a visitor’s, phone.  BT and Airplay are good enough for your mp3 files.
The Node 2 is compatible with every streaming service, Internet Radio, and if you ever want to stream High Rez files, then you are future proofed
mahler123
3,373 posts
 
Another point in favor of having your files on your phone is that they become portable, nice if you travel
jond's avatar
jond
5,856 posts
 
All good advice above I would add the Auralic Aries to the recs of streamers I have had the little brother the Mini for 4 years now and love it. The Mini was sadly discontinued but with new versions of the Aries having come out used prices on the original are starting to drop into the $7-800 range a very good price for an excellent streamer. One note it doesn't have a DAC so you would need an external one. Much better sound that way anyway I use an external DAC with my Mini.
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