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Streaming 101

I know nothing about streaming and would like some feedback. All I have is a laptop running windows. Is there a one box way to do everything? I have an older SACD player and don't think I can access its DAC.( Esoteric X-01 D2) The rest of my setup is pretty evolved so I would like something commensurate without breaking the bank. Internet radio is something I would really like to be able to access. Excuse my ignorance, most of the music reviews I read about these days seem to be unavailable to me via my turntable or CD player. Thanks.

joeyfed55
joeyfed55 OP
87 posts
 

Thanks, I'm looking at an end game setup. Haven't thought about a budget, probably 5k. It will be my third option as I have 4.5k records and many cds.

joeyfed55 OP
87 posts
 

If I go streamer and DAC will I need a server? As I say, I'm clueless here. 

soix
9,773 posts
 

If I go streamer and DAC will I need a server? As I say, I’m clueless here.

No. If I’m you I’m looking hard at an Innuos Zen Mk3 (or Zenith) as it’s an excellent streamer and you can easily load your CDs into its server’s onboard memory through its own CD slot. Couldn’t be easier.  Or, you can mess with separate hard drives, streamers, integrating them, etc. and figure it out on your own. If you don’t like dealing with computer hardware/software issues then Innuos has it all done for you. Best of luck.

joeyfed55 OP
87 posts
 

Thanks, after speaking to a knowledgable friend I think I'll investigate a Bluesound Node 2 and see if streaming is something I'll want to pursue. If I do I can get a seperate DAC later. 

soix
9,773 posts
 

You’d probably be better off looking at a Bluesound Vault as it’ll allow you to load your CDs into it, but at your budget I think you’re better served by something from Innuos, FWIW. 

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