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New to digital audio

Hi I'm new to the digital side of audio. I have imported all my cd's onto a older laptop. I then load all the songs on my IPOD. I have a great 2 channel system and currently use a audioengine bluetooth receiver plugged into my preamp to play my ipod thru  my system. Is there a way to improve my sound doing this ? I'm really into music - but in all the reading I do about digital I find it totally confusing ie: bit rates, jitter, etc. FYI - for this system - I use a Emotiva XD-1, a Parasound HCA MK1200 II amp and a new pair of the Polk Audio LSIm 705's Thanks, Bob
bobd207s
facten
2,878 posts
 
Well sorry just saw on teh MusicDirect site that this isn't available anymore
ianrmack
227 posts
 
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?
bobd207s OP
15 posts
 
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 !!
ljgerens
155 posts
 
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?

ianrmack
227 posts
 
Ipod? You fecking serious?

at the same time here, Bob, do some Research yourself.

or, do what most do and buy a Bluesound Node 2i.
it does BT, AirPlay, or uses its own I think.
also, a key part of streaming is the control app.
then get a trial account for Tidal.

but, enough with the “I don’t really know what a streamer is” BS...seriously.

if you don’t know that and have not taken the time to fine out, then you deserve to be confused.....sorry.
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