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How to build a super simple streaming system

Hi - Looking for some guidance. A few years ago I built a new house (smaller) and along with that got rid of my stereo system (B&K amp, Theil and Monitor Audio speakers, Rotel pre-amp) and my home theater (Yamaha and Paradigm). I gave away my entire CD collection (1000 plus) and my LP's. The recipients were all thrilled. I replaced it all with Sonos and Spotify. I thought I'd be OK with it - I'm 71, have tinnitus from a gazillion rock concerts. My hearing is not premium.

Turns out that I can hear well enough to know that my new set up is not the answer. I've read Stereophile for many, many years and based on reviews from that mag I've picked out Genelec G3 speakers and a Bluesound Node streamer for my new and improved music system. I've read, read, and read some more (and watched YouTube vids) about how to put this mini system together and I find I'm still at sea. 

The Genelec site says their speakers should be wired for best performance. I look at pictures of the connections and.....?? And how to integrate the Bluesound? How do I manage volume control? I went into this thinking these two components were all I needed, but now I'm not so sure.

I read this forum with great interest every day and thought I'd give it a shot before I get in touch with the manufacturers. Thanks very much.

jimlavery
spatialking's avatar
spatialking
610 posts
 

Your missing a part, it is called an amplifier!  The BlueSound is an endpoint for streaming but the output is line level, not speaker level.  Some amplifiers have knobs for volume, which would be analog control.  The BS Node controls volume digitally and you have an app on your phone for that, too.  But, to be honest, the analog volume is the way to go for best sound quality.  If you want an analog remote look at this little gem: https://www.schiit.com/products/saga-s

It has switched inputs, buffered, and a neat analog volume control, all of which is remote controlled.  It does not produce gain, so the output is equal to the input.

So the bottom line is add an amplifier to suit the speakers and control it via your phone or get the Schiit unit and use analog volume control with remote.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

The Genelecs are powered speakers, you do NOT need an amplifier, just a cable.

jl35
4,017 posts
 

Spotify is fun but always poor sound quality regardless of system. Though some like it 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,630 posts
 

OP might consider Roon ready KEF LS0 Wireless II or LS60.  Only external requirement is a modem/router.  Connection can be Ethernet or WiFi.  Sound quality can be excellent, and the KEF app makes set up easy and is a delight to use.  eARC provides uncompressed TV sound; coax provides 192/24 access to digital sources like a disc player,

kota1
2,706 posts
 

To use the Node with the genelecs all you need is to run an interconnect cable from the RCA connections to the Genelecs and use the bluesound app on your phone to control the volume:

 

 

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