Need help selecting a streamer for a beginner.
Blusound has a new, updated version of their streamer called “The Node.” Currently sold out on their website, they say back orders will be accepted soon. A very reasonable $549.00. https://www.bluesound.com/products/node/ |
The discussion here between @david_ten and @fuzztone is interesting because of the changing nature of digital technology and terminology. For example, the term “integrated amp” , now sometimes called “digital amp”now routinely refers to what I would call “integrated amp with included DAC “. If someone is writing about an integrated amp sans DAC, they now start referring to them as retro amps. Similarly, streamers are specialized computers (usually Linux) for networking and music reproduction. I tried Googling the definition of a music streamer, and there doesn’t seem to be a standard . I should add that for me, a definition isn’t a gold standard unless it’s been endorsed by the Oxford English Dictionary. In the present Information Age, the use of terms, particularly tech terms, changes so fast that the OED can’t keep pace. Certainly any bog standard computer can do what a streamer does. I therefore think that PCs should be included in the streamer definition Whether it does it as well is another matter. Back to the practical matter—the OP wanting to explore streaming— assuming he has a PC —it’s the first place to start. I would buy a program such as Audirvana Plus, which I have and still use. This basically tries to turn off all the stuff in the PC that isn’t essential for streaming and music reproduction, and also provides a graphical interface for searching the collection. I don’t use Tidal so I can’t comment on Tidal integration. Will it sound like analog? The OP can always fry some bacon in the background if he wants that experience. However, if his DAC is up to it, he might try some High Resolution and/or DSD files and be amazed at what he has been missing by using an expensive needle slashing it’s way through a slab of petroleum to extract music. Eventually he might tire of having a PC in the equipment chain. I know I did. Streamers, in the commonly accepted use of the term as employed by @fuzztone, eschew a lot of the b.s. that come with PCs, and since they are dedicated audio components tend to sound better that optimized PCs, but ymmv |
The ~best~ starting point for a "beginner" is the streamer one has on hand. Bottom line, do not overlook and underestimate and undervalue what you already have. What follows is basic, generalized and summarized for "beginner" purposes. A mobile phone is the most versatile streaming platform one owns. It is configured for accessing and delivering a wide swath of streaming services WITH EASE. The ’limitation’ is around the output port, should one choose to go wired. There are many products that allow for the phone’s internal DAC to be bypassed. They also deliver a quality stream to your DAC or Pre, or headphones, depending on the product you choose to use. Cost of these devices and adaptor cables is low. One’s laptop or tablet can serve the same role. The laptop (tablet to a lesser extent) offers more flexibility in output ports. Laptops can run a number of software options to optimize streaming, sonic performance, and with enhanced user interfaces. All three can be used wireless and via networked connections and network control. A major benefit of going wireless is the (by default) isolation of the source device. A TV, a Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Chromecast or similar device also serve as effective audio streamers. A limitation here is with TOSLINK, which will have an upper limit for frequency/bit rates... transmitter, cable, and receiver dependent. User interface is easy enough though can and will fall short (device dependant). Your phone or tablet or laptop will most likely serve as your User Interface, even if one is using a standalone server/streamer/network player. In other words, your phone, laptop and tablet are already in and part of the mix. Further, one can simply cast from your laptop, tablet and phone should you own an appropriate receiving device. The enhanced ability to isolate digital streaming products, apply filters, etc. etc. has moved forward to a degree that makes a phone, a laptop, a tablet etc. a very effective starting point. And when executed properly, capable of delivering high quality sonics. This did not use to be the case. |
