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HELP! Streaming to my old school audiophile system

HELP!  I have a complete old school Nakamichi setup I've collected over the years (Stasis PA-7AII amp; CA-7A Pre-amp; ST-7 tuner; RX-505 tape deck; Dragon tape deck; MB-1 CD player; JVC turntable; all playing through my four JBL 4311B's).  I want to be able to wireously stream music through this system but don't know where to start nor how to hook such a device to my pre-amp.  Do I need a network streamer?  A DAC? Another pre-amp?  All of the above to do this right?  I've looked at the Cambridge Azur 851N, but are there alternative devices.  I also hear over and over again that AirPlay is the best media to stream with.  Help!  I'm lost and need educated and pointed in the right direction with a device or system that won't cheapen the sound my old school set up currently produces.   
jamwvu
antigrunge2
1,452 posts
 
I‘d suggest a streaming DAC from Auralic or Lumin, straight into your preamp via RCA and you are off to the races
Post removed 
williewonka
3,082 posts
 
@jamwvu - I’ve had a little experience with a few streaming setups...
  1. Apple TV into DAC using iTunes interface
  2. Computer into DAC using iTunes interface
  3. Bluesound NODE 2 Streamer
# 1 was my first streaming experience, so I had a steep learning curve but this solution lacked the quality I wanted

#2 had the 24/192 resolution I wanted (eventually) but there were many little "nuances" that I encountered the worst one being operating system upgrades (thanks Apple) - also a steep learning curve

#3 - the Node 2 was by far the easiest solution...
  • Take the streamer out of the box, connect the cables follow the easy installation instructions - Voila !
  • All you need is a spare input on your amp or receiver
  • you can play content from any USB device via a USB port
  • you can play content from your phone/tablet via Bluetooth
  • you can play content either wirelessly or via Ethernet from internet stations, popular streaming services or a Network Drive
  • it lets you know when a software upgrade is available and the install process is automatic and takes only a couple of minutes (provided it is connected to the internet wireless or Ethernet)
  • digital content resolution - anything up to 24/192
  • it has a very good built-in DAC - so there is only one component
  • the sound is great
  • there are some controls on the top of the unit so you can PAUSE/PLAY/SKIP FORWARD/SKIP BACK and Volue Controls - without a phone - just your finger
  • has a pretty nice user friendly interface tat displays album artwork and it supports reply and random play features
  • You can build your own playlists - I use the Computer Interface for this feature
  • easy to install and operate
  • has great support
  • If you don’t want to fuss with a NAS drive for you own music there is the Vault 2i, which has a hard drive and CD player/Ripper for converting CD’s to digital files using all the meta data on the CD
  • supports Android/Apple/Windows devices and computers
It’s basically plug and play - more so than options 1 and 2 above and Bluesound are always adding new streaming services - it is compatible with Apple services

I stopped looking when I got the Node 2 because after installing some good cables, it’s sound quality exceeded my expectations.

Another brand of streamer that also supports the BlueOS software is NAD. (Bluesound and NAD are affiliated somehow)

Bluesound is a Canadian company that has grown substantially since I purchased my first unit, and all their offerings are quality/performance oriented

I now own three units
  1. Node 2i - streamer in my audio system
  2. Power Node2 - which replaced my A/V system components
  3. Pulse Mini for outdoors enjoyment
I control all three from my phone, or tablet, or desktop computer via a single app (i.e. on each platform)

Sonos is another brand that basically offers similar features. A couple of neighbours has Sonos and are very happy with it, but that’s the level of my Sonos knowledge

Hope that helps you in your quest - Steve
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