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Streaming for beginner

I have a PS Audio front end-- DMP disc player and DirectSteam DAC. Very happy with the resolution and performance, especially from my redbook cd collection. For those familiar with the DSD, it is upgradable via a network bridge card to become a dedicated streamer. When I bought this DAC, I was looking ahead to an eventual migration to streaming.
I also have a Spotify account, that currently only serves me as a companion to my iPhone during walks and exercise.

My question: assume my goal is to stream for convenience, simplicity, and achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s. I am not looking to purchase music or download it for storage. What am I missing? I also have a dedicated iPad that can serve as the interface to the DAC/Streamer. Spotify also claims that streaming in high resolution is available on my account. Do I need anything else? Am I oversimplifying this?

I am a beginner when it comes to streaming, so please answer in simple terms since I will not be familiar with a lot of the services and components mentioned elsewhere in these forums. In fact, confusing enough for me that it is forcing me to ask here.


mbiondo
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,798 posts
 
“ I wonder if Bluesound increased the price to $3,000 if more audiophiles would buy more of them.”

No one in right mind would pay $3K for Node 2i. It is a budget streamer with a mediocre sounding DAC. Overall a nice package with decent app interface.
asw
11 posts
 
Nad has a streamer for 1649.00 that has the bluesound card and I believe a better dac. Anybody tried it?
ghjuvanni
92 posts
 
Pricewise, Node 2i + RME ADI-2 DAC makes most sense, only around $1,600 together, and one ends up with a good streamer with good enough functionality and interface, while the RME provides hard to beat sound.
markmuse
290 posts
 
With Bridge II installed you will also have access to internet radio via vTuner in software. There are A LOT of great broadcasts available, and the sound quality of many is quite good. Do it, you won't regret it. 
toyman
54 posts
 
I used Spotify on my Directstream Dac w/Bridge without issue.

As far as sounding good, Spotify sounds find when I don't already own it. We have a family Spotify membership.

I also have a Peachtree nova 300 which is designed to remove any device noise.

So Spotify is good mobile or selected to play on the PS Audio DSD.

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