Streaming Services

Since I wrote this there’s three other features worth considering: 

4. buffering. Does the device buffer the songs locally before sending to the DAC. This is helpful in cases where the network is unreliable and can help keep the data aligned properly without gaps. 
5. local storage. Some streamers are starting to offer storage that lets you store music locally and stream direct from those devices. This is a great feature as you can reduce your dependence on streaming (assuming you want to buy or rip music to your streamer). 
6. Formats or Codecs. There’s still an on boing debate about MQA vs DSD vs FLAC etc. for now that largely irrevelant but the streamer and Dac combo need to support the codec etc. the debate largely revolves around getting the best quality in the smallest file that still has all the music that’s audible to your ears. With the DAC you have ignore it and just use Qobuz.

FWIW, BluSound, Auralic and Innous are great options. Ive decided to go Innous but it’s out of my budget right now so I’m experimenting with a low cost (and quite brilliant offering) a WiiM Mini for a total cost of $89 from Amazon. 

PS. One gotcha with the streaming services is that you don’t always get to use there app with the streamer you’re using. 
 

Thank you, kiwiscott!

Your posts are going to be extremely helpful as I go through my search!

I greatly appreciate the time and thought you put into them to help me out!

+1 @fuzztone. However, none of the streaming services will sound as good as local music files, so understand there are limitations, even with Quobuz. I’ve seen audio magazine reviewers use albums from streaming services for their reviews. I don’t know how they can do that considering the level of inconsistency in sound and the number of variables there are with internet streaming. Good luck and enjoy. 

Innuos is what I use for a streamer with their external power supply. Like their free software with upgrades. Customer Service has been great and I have ripped my 1031 cd's to it. Very much enjoyed getting that done. Tidal for music but listening to Radio Paradise and WNCW mostly. 

@rbschauman 
Being new to streaming, I would start off with Node130 as @curiousjim and @fuzztone pointed out and use your CJ DAC via USB. Avoid the headaches with Laptop and start off on a solid / stable foundation with Node130. The BluOS Controller app is easy to follow (iPad recommended) and provides seamless integration for many cloud based streaming services. A wired Ethernet connection is recommended for better sound quality and network stability. You can get your streaming system up n running in 3 easy steps, don’t overthink it.

Step 1 - Buy Node 130 and good quality USB cable

Step 2 - Use Wired Ethernet connection to Node130

Step 3 - Sign up with Qobuz

Until you fully acclimated with streaming just ‘save’ the comments like streaming is not good enough vs local files; MQA vs DSD vs FLAC endless debates for later. There is plenty of great sounding content on streaming. Embrace Streaming, sit back and enjoy!