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Best streamer for a returning audio guy

Hello, hope you all can help. My question is what is the most reasonable streamer to try in my system to see if it works for me? 
  A little background is in order . I’m an older gentleman, who was into audio years ago. I’m currently rebuilding my system with newer technology. I have significant older components. Such as Adcom separates, ( not currently using), Yamaha reciever rxa 2000 as a preamp, Rotel amp driving center speaker and rears, crown class d driving main speakers, I have many speaker choices. Currently using Kef 105/2 as mains ( have Martin Logan’s as well) , Martin logan cinema as center, Martin Logan’s a rear surround. All interconnects and speaker wires are morrow audio. 
 I am / was old school with over 1500 vinyl album’s from years of collecting. About 100 cds. One interesting note, this rebirth of my interest in audio came with my wife giving me a turntable for Christmas several years ago. Finally joked it up and after 30 years I was hooked again!!!

  On to my question, it appears that almost everyone is now streaming their music. Ok, I understand the concept ( have Sirius in the car) . What is the best unit to try this out. Can’t break the bank, used is ok, actually preferred. Any outlet advice would be appreciated. 
  I’m working to eventually get to the level of most of you. I have visited my local real hi fi store and have heard the”great” components and eventually I’ll get there. Thanks, and looking forward to your replies. Twodogs112.

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jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

op

node 2i for sale

node ’3’ - current one

good luck... 

headphonedreams
527 posts
 

Sorry you were forced to change wiring. I hope it was not too expensive. I live in Europe and some things may be a bit different here but we choose to get fiber into our house a couple of years ago. I was thinking the next step would be network cables (TP-cables) around the house to everything and maybe some wifi router for phones and other things.

I ended up using wifi everywhere, it was good enough (a mesh network) for streaming video and audio. My system is not very high end so I have not tried if the sound would get better if I start using cables from the router instead of the wifi but I guess it is not the most important thing. Try to find a solution that works for you and then see if you want to try to optimize anything. A network cable should be better but if it is worth it is up to you. The fiber should be fast enough for anything you want to do unless they have kept the speed low on purpose for some reason. Our connection to the house is 1Gb/s (or about 1000 Mb/s) but I usually get a bit lower than that.

twodogs112's avatar
twodogs112 OP
57 posts
 

To all who helped me. Thanks. I’m finally streaming. Got a hold of a Bluesound node2 with the power upgrade and after a great deal of cursing and rewiring. I got it up and running. Sounds great thru my bifrost Dac. Trying out with the Amazon music for now( free trial) that I already had access to. Will be moving on to tidal or Spotify when trial is over. Excited to play, now I just have to convince the wife. 
  Tomorrow, on to installing the new dog door. Still under renovations, and only one bathroom operational. Contractor said vanity top might be installed this week( only took a month to make). Heard that before. 
  Again, thanks all.

ghdprentice
7,052 posts
 

Congratulations. Give the free month of Qobuz a try. A superior streaming service.

farne230's avatar
farne230
71 posts
 

I am considering the Mac MS500 streamer and wonder if anyone on the forum has compared it to other currant streamers?

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