2. digital
  3. 175408-120426

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
calvinandhobbes
307 posts
 

This was my rationale for going with a dedicated streamer and external DAC.

 

As someone coming from analog, I knew the sound of a DAC would be an important consideration for me. Specifically, I was seeking a DAC that sounded more natural (detailed but also not harsh in sound). Going to a separate streamer and DAC provided more flexibility in finding this as the companies producing DACs of most interest to me tended to produce standalone external DACs. (mostly DACs with an R2R design rather than a delta-sigma design). It was not easy to find a one-box solution that had a streamer interface that I liked with a DAC that would seem to fit my sound quality preferences.

gphill's avatar
gphill OP
130 posts
 

I appreciate all the recommendations and thoughts, however I think I’m going to stay with a one box solution and I’m leaning toward the hifi rose 150b. Everything I read is positive about this unit and it also has a dac out so if the future I could buy another dac. The reviews say it’s very much an easy streamer to operate and comes loaded with both Tidal and Quboz. Sound is supposed to be outstanding plus I can buy it with a 30 or 60 day trial with the option to send it back if I don’t like it. This thing has more features than anything I’ve looked at, in fact lots that I probably won’t use. I love the large touch screen and the app is said to be very good and intuitive.

dinov's avatar
dinov
845 posts
 

If I were you and with the budget you have I definitely would go with a Lumin. It’s my next step up from my node, which is modified with a linear power supply. My 2 cents. Seriously though, audition one if you can. 

gphill's avatar
gphill OP
130 posts
 

Dinov, I realize the Lumin is a nice product, but have you heard the hifi rose? I haven’t listened to either, that’s one of the reasons for my thread. 

nosualc
99 posts
 

I’ve had a Lumin T2 for two years, and have zero complaints. I’m contemplating upgrading to the X1. The Lumin app is solid, if a bit basic.

The T2 does support Tidal Connect, which lets you use Tidal’s iOS app directly, which is a much better user experience. The streaming services want you to use their app. Any third party app can only use subset of APIs the streaming service chooses to make public. Third party apps will always have inferior functionality.

I’ve read that Quboz is also working on a Quboz Connect tech. I’m sure when that’s available, Lumin will quickly add support for it (Lumin’s support is phenomenal), and I’ll ditch Tidal entirely.

I would personally disqualify any product that didn’t support Tidal Connect (or Q-Connect if/when it comes).

I haven’t had any experience with the hifi rose, but I suggest you listen to both and let your ears decide.

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