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HELP! Streaming to my old school audiophile system

HELP!  I have a complete old school Nakamichi setup I've collected over the years (Stasis PA-7AII amp; CA-7A Pre-amp; ST-7 tuner; RX-505 tape deck; Dragon tape deck; MB-1 CD player; JVC turntable; all playing through my four JBL 4311B's).  I want to be able to wireously stream music through this system but don't know where to start nor how to hook such a device to my pre-amp.  Do I need a network streamer?  A DAC? Another pre-amp?  All of the above to do this right?  I've looked at the Cambridge Azur 851N, but are there alternative devices.  I also hear over and over again that AirPlay is the best media to stream with.  Help!  I'm lost and need educated and pointed in the right direction with a device or system that won't cheapen the sound my old school set up currently produces.   
jamwvu
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,181 posts
 
I recommend the Bluesound Node 2i, its built-in DAC is very good, just connect it to your CA-7A preamp line level input.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-TpfPuHxIALw/p_813NODE2IB/Bluesound-Node-2i-Black.html?XVINQ=GLX&aw...
jamwvu OP
4 posts
 
Thank you for your reply.  Educate me:  What does this Bluesound do that the Cambridge unit I was looking at doesn't?  Or was the Cambridge unit overkill.  Please explain.  
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,181 posts
 
I've looked at the Cambridge Azur 851N, but are there alternative devices.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/bluesound-node-2i-azur-851n-or
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
What you want is a DAC/streamer.  It's basically a network streamer with a DAC built into it.  The Cambraidge Azure 851N is one option.  Bluesound Node 2i is another option.  There are better options, but they do cost more. 

Sony HAPZ1ES $1999
Auralic Altair G1  $2699
Cocktail Audio X45 $2995
Aurender A100  $3900

Be aware that not all network streamers will have a DAC built in.
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