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To Stream or not to Stream

[A collective sign resonates from forum members upon seeing "Stream" in the title]  ...Before you run away, I read a number of threads dealing with streaming, so this is to ask about what I didn't learn.

I am trying to select a streaming option into my McIntosh DA2 DAC. I would like to stay south of $4k and get the best bang for my buck. It would be best if I could sit in the comfort of my chair with my MacBook, iPhone or iPad and control my music. I do not need a fancy screen on the component. They are nice, but I only care about the sound.

To make a decision / purchase I hope to get answers to the following:

  1. I have a CD collection, but none are HD. Why do people rip CDs when all of those CDs can be streamed from music services? I have Tidal and want to drop it for Qobuz. Learning more about the burning CD topic will help narrow down if should go with a ripper / streamer combo. 
  2. I can't find much on my DA2 DAC but assume it's top notch being from McIntosh? Consensus? How do I know if I should use it versus another streamer option with its own DAC?
  3. It appears that a USB connection is needed for DSD512 (basically the most demanding formats)? I can't find much on this but many of the recommended streamers on this site do not always have USB-out, which is confusing at some of the high price points!?
  4. Is DSD only achieved from ripping CDs?
  5. What are people doing to stream DSD512 or other formats of this quality? 
  6. I haven't seen anyone recommend the Roon Nucleus? If I'm not going to rip CDs, is it one to add to my consideration list?

This would be easy if I had money... Aurender ACS10 if I want to rip or N20, up. Others as well at these price points.

I see used N100s here... maybe that's my answer unless I want to rip. The Innuos is intriguing, but you have to buy a separate power supply... I just want to get this right the first time and be happy. I'm already gun-shy of making another purchase mistake like the new Bluesound Node 2i I need to sell... It's only a mistake because it does not do USB-out (as of this post) or support the formats I wish to stream to my DA2. Not a fan of its software either. 

Thank you!


128x128izjjzi
ricred1
1,992 posts
 
I recommend trying to listen to a Antipodes S30 or S40 music server. I think Antipodes competes with music servers at various price points and their customer service is outstanding. I rip all of my cds, because I prefer the sound to streaming. I actually like streaming for background music or to find new music to purchase and rip to my harddrive.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,935 posts
 
I have found if you want a streaming system on par with a good 
cd setup or hard drive , wifi is not as good ,direct Ethernet  cable 
for sure ,then you need good filtering a good streamer and dac is a must , right before your streamer you need a Ethernet Switch 
or something very good like a Ether regen  which totally makes a new clean signal right before the streamer . Melco N10 for $3k 
a fantastic low noise hard drive ,and Roon ready hub super regulated low noise ,made in Japan class A rated.  A high quality 
dac with hi quality $500 and up usb cable is a must . The NewWireworld - Platinum 8 USB  is finally out and only $500. I have the excellent Final touch audio Callisto USB which is around $850. My point everything counts if you want a reference sound .I just ordered the excellent reference grade Rockna Wavelight dac 
and they just came out with a matching exceptional streamer $4800 and it has true I2S  connections Fron dac to streamer 
which is without question the cleanest best connection method dac to streamer on the planet  I will still use my purpose built computer until I can afford the Rockna streamer .
builder3
755 posts
 
izjjzi, I was in the same boat as you for a couple of years, finally jumped in 2 months ago, so my hands-on experience is about zero. That being said, I bought a Lumin T2, and love it. It has a very good built-in DAC, and does not contain a hard-drive. Lumin’s recommends running their app on an IPad, ideally, so you have that. I think you’ll need to jump thru more hoops to stream rips from your computer, I haven’t gotten to that. The Lumin itself is not wireless, it’s connected to your router with an ethernet cable. Musically, I think it’s excellent. Good luck.
builder3
755 posts
 
Almost forgot, if you're still interested in ripping high-quality files from your CDs, look for a program called Exact Audio Copy. It's not only one of the best out there, but it's free, and will enable you to rip FLAC files. It's a little tedious to figure out the install, seems like the website is translated from German, if I recall.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,935 posts
 
Being from McIntosh assuming the digital is good you could not be more wrong ,since theysold  their company out went the Audiophiles and part of their integrity .
some are in part made in China ,only their upper end is made in NY,and digital is by far their worst product ,if you want great digital 
buy from a company that specialize in just that Digital !!
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