New to digital audio
I don't know anything about your audioengine, you might want to try an Istreamer DAC - link below - it is specifically made for connecting an Ipod to. I have one that I use in my headphone system and it is worth the money in sound quality to my ears. You'd bypass the receiver and go straight from the istreamer dac to your preamp http://www.hirestech.com/product/?pid=87 |
I did exactly what you have done...then the light switch went on. Ripped CDs into a MacBook Pro server then tried to figure it all out. then I realized that 85% of my the music I have, and then much much more I don’t, was in CD and HR quality on Tidal. so, no I just stream using an iPad. what can you do for better SQ? A ton. new streamer. new DAC. AE was about $180. whats your budget? do you have good WiFi? Or do you need BT? |
do you have good WiFi? Or do you need BT?I think the WiFi is good where we are . I thought I needed the AE BT Receiver in order to hear the music from my IPOD ? TBH I think the IPOD is the weak link - every so often I get a sharp pop sound - at first I worried it was something else but I have used the IPOD in other places to listen and it does some quirky stuff. As far as budget I really don't know what a streamer is ? The Emotiva is a DAC but is older - I picked it up used so I could also use it as a preamp. Any help is appreciated !! |
I have several comments for you. WiFi or a direct connection would provide better sound quality than Bluetooth. The Emotiva XDA-1 should not be used as a preamp. It’s volume control is lossy so you loose sound quality as you lower the volume. The Emotiva XDA-2 and Emotiva Stelth DC-1 have lossless volume control and can be used as preamps. You can find these in the used market. There are other DACs that can be used as preamps but most are more expensive. Why are you using the iPod? Is your laptop Apple or PC? |
