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Streaming Services

Hello, Folks -

In an attempt to (somewhat) get with the times, I am incorporating streaming as a source in my audio system.

In my research I’ve seen that sound quality varies among the providers.

I’m looking for a provider suggestion. A service that you feel has high sound quality.

For the most part this would be for classical music. Some classic rock and jazz would be a plus.

I’m a fuddy duddy with my equipment and am not looking to change anything out. What I have:

Conrad Johnson HD3 USB DAC

Conrad Johnson Premier 16LS Preamp

Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono Block Power Amps

Vandersteen Quattro Loudspeakers

PGS interconnects

MacBook Pro

Any suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much for reading my post.

Regards,

Randy

 

rbschauman
rocray's avatar
rocray
1,448 posts
 

I’ve had Spotify, Amazon,Tidal,and Qobuz.  I found Spotify to have the largest library, Qobuz has the best sound quality.  

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,091 posts
 

+1 @ghdprentice ...

Of the many choices there are all in one streamers with built in DAC's and separates. DAC a must.

There's something called ROON that has the best interface.  It's a shell over your Qubuz(or many others) account and is tiptop.  You should sniff that out too. It can run with a computer but as many have said please don't do that. Some streamers are not compatible with Roon and please be cautions to get one that's roon compatible as someday you may wind up there.

Steaming's best when not done via your computer. Treat yourself and fasten your seatbelt.

 

 

 

 

bslon's avatar
bslon
2,242 posts
 

They have free trials so you can see and hear for yourself. I have Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify, all together they’re cheaper than buying a couple LPs per month.

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,443 posts
 

That's easy, specially for classical, Qobuz.

therandyman
35 posts
 

My experience is a bit different.  I have a McIntosh MX 123 AV processor in my main system.   It came with Apple Music built in, so it does not require a separate streamer.  I tried a Bluesound Node with Qobuz, and it was not as good.  I was also unsuccessful with Qobuz in my office, running through my Mac Mini computer, as it kept cutting out.  I discontinued my Qobuz subscription and am very pleased with Apple Music, which streams well through my Mac computers.  So, if you do not decide to buy a high-end streamer, and continue using your Mac as a streamer, I suggest Apple Music.  

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