I would recommend separates and upgrading in steps. Since you have a DAC already, start with a streamer. Lots of recommendations here, anything decent will be big upgrade over the iPad. Streamers do matter! Pay close attention to reviews of the streamer software/UI, if you hate the interface, the performance won’t matter.
Wanting to upgrade my streaming sound quality.
I would really like to get my streaming sq up to my analog sq. My equipment is a McIntosh MC 452, C47, TD 124 with an AT 150 SA on a SME M2-9 tone arm, a Rega P8 with an Alpheta 3, a restored MR 74 tuner, driving Aerial 7t speakers. My streaming now is an iPad with a usb cable into my preamp with Tidal. I would be willing to spend around $2500 . A one box solution would be preferable for a steamer/dac combo although two boxes could also work. I’m not interested in multiple clocks and separate power supplies etc. Also I don’t use CD’s for a source. I do have AT&T fiber internet with up to 1000 mb speed and my modem is only around 5 feet from my audio rack. Balanced inputs is preferable but not a deal breaker. I’ve looked at the HiFi Rose 250 and the 150 although the latter is more money than I want to spend. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m an Analog guy in a digital world.
Greg
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+1 @vanson1 |
Everything is subjective. Without going into my full system, around 14k. I stream amazon HD (very pleased with price and sound quality) through an outboard Benchmark DAC3B, also using an impressive Benchmark Line amp LA-4. I listen to just R&R loudly from a windows based laptop, 2.0 CORDED to my listening Chair, About 12' away. If you don't mind the cord, Mine sounds fabulous. No outboard streamer, just the DAC. My 2cents, if you don't mind the cord, spend your money on a very good DAC. Robert TN Good luck !!!!!!!!! |
clean up your home network in the process drop the catx cable if you can and go optical to your streamer eliminate all the wireless connections in the food chain (wifi and bluetooth) IMO there are great gains to be made getting the front end network optimized before anything reaches the streamer the effort will bring your digital playback closer to analog SQ |
- 100 posts total