2. headphones
  3. 163966-96

iPhone/iPad good as a source, or get a streamer?

This is probably a dumb question with a simple answer I’m just missing, but here goes. I’m currently using my iPhone and iPad wired with a Camera Adapter to my DAC via Qobuz in my headphone setup and it sounds good, but I’ve wondered if using a streamer (on the level of an Optical Rendu or Innuos Zen Mk3) would be better as it’d be plugged directly into the router. I’d assume the latter would be better given the wired connection vs. WiFi, but wondering if anyone has compared that to connecting an iPhone/iPad directly to a DAC? Location isn’t a huge deal since I’m in close proximity to my router anyway. Thanks for any thoughts/experience/suggestions.
soix
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
898 posts
 
I just been messing around with this on my iPAD when I discovered that on Qobuz app to get anything better than CD quality you have to download the track local. I am using lighting to USB A connector and Pangea cable. to DAC. The local files (>Redbook rez) sound purdy dang good but my dedicated streamer has a little more weight.
But I think for people with integrated amps and CD players with a DAC who want to get into streaming to test the water an iPAD is a great way to get started as apposed to buying a Bluesound Node. Which seams to be the default answer here when people ask about getting into streaming.  Then if you move up to a dedicated streamer you got a nice controller.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,827 posts
 
+++++ Jitterbug

plug them into unused ports….
soix OP
8,726 posts
 
I just been messing around with this on my iPAD when I discovered that on Qobuz app to get anything better than CD quality you have to download the track local.
That’s not been my experience.  I get up to 24/96 out of the Lightening port when streaming, unless my AQ Dragonfly Red is lying to me about the resolution. 

More to discover