Streaming

I'm another oldster and I gotta say that streaming is truly the beez kneez. Sure, I've got thousands of LPs and hundreds of CDs, not to mention maybe about a hundred 45's. But streaming is truly so much more. It's like having the key to the record store, with damnably good fidelity to boot.  It's utterly liberating. You cruise Qobuz, or maybe Idagio if you're classically inclined. You make a couple mouse clicks. Suddenly you're listening to the record you wanted to hear so much during the 1970's but just didn't have enough change in your pocket to take home. On the classical side, it's just plain wonderful to be able to cue up a familiar work performed by an artist you've never heard of, or listen to that symphony you never got around to buying.

@ham_firl - I was going to mention the WIIM Mini Streamer. It is super easy to use and sounds pretty good. No, not as good as a multi-thousand dollar setup. But at $99 (currently on sale for $89 on Amazon) it will get you started and you can play around with streaming and decide if you want to spend more money later.

You can use free Spotify to get started. And, Radio Paradise is free and streams hi-rez FLAC.

@sheridanmartinj  - If you are interested in dipping your toe into streaming and need a bit of help, please feel free to reach out to me. Would be glad to assist you getting started without investing a small fortune and with as little drama as possible. Trust me, it's not that complicated. All you need is an internet connection and a simple streamer, like the WIIM Mini (and a cable to connect it to your audio system).

The BlueSound Node is a good entry into streaming, but it’s internal DAC is it’s weakest component. I upgraded to an MHDT Orchid DAC (has an output stage tube). The SQ upgrade is significant. I even plan to soon go further soon with SQ improvement and get a Teddy Pardo external power supply for the Node. Then I won’t feel quite like the Node is the weakest link in my signal path.

Most of the posts here describe entry level systems which is what you will get SQ wise. To think otherwise is foolish. If you get a bluesound/ifi/blue jeans setup, you can always move this to a bedroom for background music when you want to get better Sq in your audio room. 

Why are you folks making this so difficult. This fellow just wants to learn more about streaming and if it might be an option for him. So here's a few hints. #1 it appears you have internet access because you sent this email.... Do you have strong internet access in your house with WiFi? If you do, you are 50% there. Do you have a smart phone or a tablet and know how to download an APP and use it? If you do, now you are 70% there. Do you have a stereo system with AUX input?.......Go to Amazon and buy a WiiM Mini Streamer device ($85)....You would need to spend hundreds more for a 10% improvement in sound quality. once you get it, plug it into your AUX input on the stereo, turn it on and the connection to your WiFi will be made. Once that is done, get a music subscription. I suggest Quobuz at first. There are many music services and you join and drop off as much as you like to find one that suits you best. Once you have purchased a music source, the WiiM will access it through the WiiM APP on your phone or tablet.....start looking around in the service on your phone or tablet . Find a type of music or a particular performer or an album you wantbto listen to. Click on it and like magic it will be playing throughbyour speakers. Start enjoying millions of albums, musicians, songs......this is the easiest and least expensive way to get into streaming. You can always go crazy and upgrade to the stuff the folks above are suggesting. Good Luck!