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Another streaming newbie

Guys, I have tried to search and figure this out, because I know this topic has been well-covered. But I am still wandering in the dark, so plz forgive my redundant questions....

First, here's my current rig,: I built a Lenco table 15 yrs ago with a JMW 10 arm/London Super Gold that I run into a phono pre that I built from a pretty high end kit  (can't see the name, have no idea what it is now!) thru a VTL tube IT-85 integrated amp and then thru some SF Electa Amator II, supported by a sub I built.  So pretty mid-fi setup, but it really works for me.  Sounds great, to my ears.  

The Covid thing has me home (no golf in Los Angeles!), listening to music more. Would love to stream something that approaches the vinyl sound quality with a music service, but being retired, budget is more a concern now... I just subscribed to TIDAL with its premium level (MQA) that I was running straight from my iphone 6 to the VTL. Meh.  Then my daughter ran same stuff through her iphone 11 and, hey, that sounded better.  So, clearly, I am in need of a streaming DAC.  

I know MQA gets mixed reviews. I have no way really to test this or to go listen to stuff. Everything is shut down here. So here's the criteria that matters most to me:
  • A great UI app because now streaming is like going to the Smithsonian.  There's a lot to organize. 
  • Great sound. (whatever that means!) 
  • One box.  Cables get expensive & messy.  
  • I'd like to keep it under $2K. I'd really like to keep it under $1K, but that may be wishful thinking.  I mean, is Bluesound Node 2 up to it? I am sure it would beat my daughters iphone 11, but ... what are reasonable streamers/DACS?  Where's the killer solution that isn't $10K?  I know it's out there....
I am not so far into TIDAL that I can't change. My system is in the same room as my router, so I can run an ethernet cable to the DAC.  As I have looked at all of this, it has occurred to me to get an older, much higher quality used DAC that I can somehow mesh with TIDAL (or another service with high quality streaming) and forget the MQA.  But this has to somehow hook into my internet directly and be able to be run by a remote UI.  So now my head is spinning.

Thanks for your input.  Chuck
chuckccs
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
269 posts
 
Along with everyone else get. A bluesound 2i get used to it then get seperate DAC once you feel the music and can tell how it improves and changes. The 2i is brilliant for the money and I'm using with tidal masters into Luxman 550ax2 and tannoy arden... No complaints
tosicka
14 posts
 
COCKTAIL AUDIO X-45 MAYBE KNOWN AS NOVATRON
All you'd need to future proof.

16f4's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
16f4
1,062 posts
 
If you are looking to dip your toes into the streaming pond, you could do worse that the Bluesound Node 2i.   I transitioned from vinyl to streaming and started with the Node 2i. I was very happy with it, especially with the app.  I liked it so much I upgraded to the PowerNode 2i.  
I did not see it specifically mentioned  in this forum, but make sure the Node or PowerNode is a 2”i” and not just the older model “2”.  The newer model 2i has better Bluetooth connectivity.  Also, if you settle on the PowerNode 2i, get the model with the HDMI connection; you can always incorporate it into a 2-channel surround sound video system.  
BTW, Steve Guttenberg reviewed the Node 2i this morning:

https://youtu.be/F31RAuvik8g


mrmanisundaram
82 posts
 
Used Lumin U1 mini or Innous Mini 3 + Schiit Bifrost Multibit dac should b a combo that provides u w very good streaming quality.  Good luck.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
990 posts
 
I started on this journey long ago (tech years). Spotify then Deezer and then a shoot out Twix Tidal and Qobuz. I thought Qobuz edged out Tidal, no MQA for me, High Rez Qobuz (24/96) is enough.

Started with Sonos, Then added external DAC, Then modified the Sonos each step picking up improved SQ. Currently sitting at a Bryston BDP Pi as a Roon end point with a Wadia DAC. This managed by a Roon Core running On my iMac.

Glad to hear you are considering a Raspberry Pi. That’s what my Bryston is based on and I think it sounds great. The Bryston Pi is a pricy piece at $1.4k. But if you keep your eye out you can’t get them for half that. I found mine on USA audio mart for less than $600. Build your own sounds fun , good project for a retired guy and an engineer consultant close by. My local dealer here has a demo Chord DAC for around $1.5K so if you could do a combo like that you would be in around $2K. Then if you add a Roon core running on your network you get the immersive user management console. All for a pretty cheap price. My next step will be to get rid of this noisy ass iMAC and add a dedicated Sonic Transport to run the Roon Core.
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