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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
jond's avatar
jond
5,816 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.
Post removed 
ianrmack
227 posts
 
Kills me that people wax on for 10 paragraphs without ever mentioning a budget.

get a Google chrome or an Apple TV and you’re all set.
add a DAC for better SQ.

skip the BS and buy a used bluesound.

notthat hard....except to those trying to read your mind....😉

gdnrbob
4,445 posts
 
@ianrmack ,
Leave the OP alone. He came here with honest questions-which, we tried to answer. 
If he left out his budget, all you have to do is ask him.
B
ianrmack
227 posts
 
@gdrnbob....sure, ok.
Thats why the OP gets only 4-5 responses. But, let’s make sure we don’t hurt his feelings...🤔😆

ask questions succinctly and be specific and watch how others lean in and help.

Like I said in my post before, get your self a Bluesound Node 2i.
Sheet, if you have two eyes and an IQ above 100, you can conclude that in 10 minutes by just skimming the threads here,

it is just kinda evident to all that the OP hasnt done a lick of research yet and there’s a difference between being curious and wanting help and then being lazy...😂

Yo, OP...walk first. Can you cut loose with $500? I would assume yes.
it can stream, has a DAC and has a control app and has resale value.

buy it, experience it then come back here in a month.

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