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

128x128gphill

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 !!!!!!!!!

@gphill 

the blusound node 2i is an excellent streamer for the price. Paired with an external DAC I think you can hit your budget and be quite happy with the SQ. Good luck ! 
 

Ron 

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

@jallan

+1. Not sure this will get you all the way there, but my guess is it will be one of the highest performing pairs for the money (I own or have had both) but will be satisfying and serve as proof of concept. Giving you a platform from which to upgrade further if you wish. Both are highly regarded and should have excellent trade in value.

FWIW, I'm currently using a newer version NODE into a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP integrated connected to Zu Audio Omen Mk II's.  The BluOS has been excellent and my listening has been largely limited to Qobuz and Radio Paradise.  RP MQA has been a revelation.  To my ears, this set up has been fantastic.

If I tweak moving forward, I'll likely retain the NODE, incorporate an external DAC (Schiit Bifrost?), try some upgraded cables, and maybe move to a couple REL T/7x subs.  

Hope that helps!