2. amps-preamps
  3. 182613-14281

streaming and audiophile stereo

I have heard it said that an audio system is only as good as its weakest link. I want to complete a system that will give me access to lots of music by Tidal and Roon, and I want the music played through some true audiophile components.  I am used to tube preamps, and will probably go that way again, though ss remains a possibility.  The speakers I intend to use are very efficient - 20 watts of amplification would be ample.  Here's my question:  in such a system, how important, and how variable, are the audio qualities of the digital source component - the streamer - at the front end?  If it does MQA does that alone mean it is the highest quality audio possible at this end of the system?  Or do some that accommodate MQA provide better sound than others that also accommodate MQA?  I see lots of reviews of features of these components, but not much about their individual sonic qualities.  Leaving aside features and convenience, are some better sounding than others and would this depend entirely on the DAC used?

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nevada_matt
155 posts
 

And what KIND of Dac..

I prefer the sound of an R2R over a sigma delta..

 

and yeah, connectivity..  data drops, whether mqa or qobuz, ruin a song worse than a scratched record.. though I get fewer audible  drops with qobuz, they seem to do a better job caching.

fredrik222
522 posts
 

I would start small with a blue node like mentioned above, just don’t waste your money on expensive Ethernet cables and so called audiophile Ethernet products, they don’t work.

what you may want to consider since you are using tubes, is to move your wireless router away from your equipment. Some products are poorly designed and pick up noise from the radios in the wireless router. 

 

kairosman's avatar
kairosman
292 posts
 

In a digital source chain the streamer is probabaly most important, try a reasonably affordable all-in-one streamer/DAC like a Lumin T3 that has very good digital outs via USB and BNC so you can rotate other DACs into your system. Lumin's app sounds good and has a reasonable UX. Aurender's A15 is also a good choice for an all-in-one and has similarly high-quality build/sound/features/app. Don't skimp on the switch (preferably one that has an OXCO clock and fiber optic i/o) and cables, as others have said, every component counts in the chain.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,461 posts
 

I don’t stream, but I do have very efficient speakers, and prefer tubes.

Having efficient speakers, I would encourage you to go tubes all the way, either separates, or integrated. I would go for more than needed, say 40-45 wpc, to have reserves for instantaneous needs.

Remote volume a requirement for me. Remote balance, rare, is a wonderful feature.

Think about how/where you might fit a TT and related phono stage in case you get tempted after you get your streaming up to speed.

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