First Streamer...
Hi,
I'm planning to buy my first streamer.
Honestly, I have no idea which brand of streamer to purchase and would welcome suggestions.
I'd like to use my android phone to select material which will be played through a Audio Research VSi60 amp and homemade Zaph Audio ZRT Revelator speakers. My CD player ( a Rega Saturn) has a DAC which could be used for streaming.
Any suggestions?
I'm looking to stream TIDAL using Verizon's Fios service and spend under $2000.
More important than a streamer is a DAC. Even a mediocre stand alone DAC will be better than your CD player. In the interim, you can stream with a tablet or a computer. (Im assuming funding is keeping you from buying both, if not, then buy both). You will see much more sound improvement with a good DAC. The onboard DACs on CD players are not good. And don't get a streamer/dac. |
Agree..DAC is first. I have a $15000 McIntosh integrated amplifier with DAC and phono stage. Think of this as a $6000 amp..$6000 preamp and$1500 each for phono and DAC. I purchased a $5500 DAC which was much more musical than the integrated DAC. I’ve listened to the Rega Apollo and the little Rega’s DAC sounded good for the price and I’ve never heard the Saturn. I ripped my CDs to a NAS and used the CD player money to buy other components. |
If your top line budget is $2k then @ghdprentice gave solid advice. If I were in your shoes I would consider the Bluesound feeding your Rega and save the rest for when its time to upgrade. Bluesound seems to be the gateway drug to streaming although I have never used one.
@carlsbad is mostly right when advising against a streamer/dac but ONLY in the context of your budget. There are exceptional streamer/dacs that aren’t in your price range presently (DCS, Bricasti, Meitner, Totaldac, MSB, etc). Another option would be to stretch your budget into the $4-5k range and consider a product like the well reviewed Hifi Rose RS150b. It would serve as your hub and integrate everything analog or digital as well as any a/v needs.
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How able are you to actually do some component auditions and just listen? I know that you’ll get the usual DAC is everything advice. In my opinion @ghdprentice provided you good counsel. The quality of the streamer is important and will definitely impact the sound quality. Both components are vital. It isn’t just the DAC in isolation. There’s a partnership (Source and DAC) that needs thoughtful consideration. Chales |
Simaudio 280D is a excellent DAC and has DSD and MQA if that is important to you, AES, XLR, RCA, USB, BT, WIFI..... Can be had for under $2500.00 used. May know of one for around $2100.00 Check it out. High Quality | 280D Streaming Best DAC | Audiophile | MOON - Simaudio |
