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Yet another question about streaming

Hi all,

I'm looking for a streaming media setup and there are 2 things I'm currently stuck trying to understand.  I'm hoping for opinions and advice. First thing: I've been looking at players like the new BlueSound Node and a couple of the Cambridge Audio pieces, the Azur 851 N and the CXN V2.  If I am planning to eventually buy a streaming DAC like the Chord Qutest or the Schitt Yggdrasil, how much does it matter which of the streamers I buy? Is there enough difference in the digital output of any of these players to change the sound coming out of the DAC? Second thing that confuses me: if I use one of these streamers to listen to a service like Spotify, what is coming out of the digital out?  Can I send that to my existing EAD DAC or will it come out in a format (like Mp3) that the DAC doesn't recognize? 

Thanks much for any thoughts or ideas.
Howard
howardlander
howardlander OP
10 posts
 
Thanks this is helpful.  I'm thinking I am going to start with either the node or one of the Cambridge pieces. I'm also going to rip my CD collection, and probably subscribe to one of the full cd quality streaming services.  
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,546 posts
 
Maybe I’m out on a ledge but to me a streamer (network player) with a built in DAC is NOT a DAC with a bulit in network bridge (streaming DAC.)
I ignored the PS Audio DirectStream because the bridge has no USB-A input. It is NOT a full featured player.
Start with the BluNode. You are going to upgrade anyway and it has a better player app by common consensus.
Qobuz is best now but watch for Spotify. They have a bigger library, Connect and better radio than Pandora. Start with a free trialto Qobuz.
I put my CD tracks (ripped on a PC) on SSDs and plug 'em in but do whatever feels most comfortable.
Good luck to you.
andy727
11 posts
 
I have some experience with Bluesound Node 2i and the Cambridge Azur 851n.  I experimented with both of these and my Schiit Gungnir Multibit DAC, connected to the Freya+ preamp via XLR.

Using the Gungnir from both streamers, the 851 clearly sounds better in every way than the Node.  A clear upgrade.  I was initially surprised by this, as I thought that using the digital coax output of the Bluesound and A/B'ing with the Node would yield similar results, but the difference was quite obvious.  

For quite some time I lived with using the 851 via coax out to the Gumby, but the other day I experimented again.  I ran the 851 via XLR directly to my pre-amp to see how that sounded.  This, obviously is using the 851's DAC.  I kept the coax connected to the gumby, so I could A/B quite easily from the listening position.  To my surprise, I actually prefer the sound of the 851 directly over the gumby.  It is a clear warmth and presence to the sound.  In switching back to the gumby, it sounded a little flat in comparison.  

To add some context, I have recently treated my room with GIK products, which dramatically improved the detail of the system. It is so revealing now, and I thought it was revealing before.  As a YMMV disclaimer, I am not sure if the difference would have been so obvious prior to room treatment.

I hope this helps, and best of luck.
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