Do I Need a Dedicated Streamer?


Hello everyone,

As the title states, I am still unsure of if I need a dedicated streamer and if it would increase the fidelity of my music compared to how I am listening at the moment. Which is using AirPlay 2 from my iPhone to my Hegel H590 Integrated amp.

 

I know that the DAC in the Hegel H590 is considered quite good and it was one of the reasons that I bought the amplifier to begin with. However, would I get a better input using a dedicated streamer for around $1000 (such as the Cambridge CXNV2 for example) or would I be better off leaving things as is?

I am just not sure if airplaying music to the Hegel is degrading the signal in comparison to a streamer that would pull its own data and send it directly to the amplifier? Also, would improving my router placement and wifi signal make any difference to the sound since my Hegel is hardwired using a mesh wifi system?

 

I am open to switching streaming platforms if I can gain something out of it such as resolution but I’m not sure if apple music is the issue in any of this.

 

If the answer to the title is a no. I am curious what I would need to take the quality of my listening experience to the next level or where money would be better spent to achieve that. I do have acoustic panels in my room and have done my fair share of research on speaker placement already.

 

The only thing that I have been considering in the near-future would have to be the isoacoustics gaia 1 feet.

 

My equipment:

Hegel H590 Integrated

KEF Reference 5 Meta

Metra Velox Speaker Cables

 

Thanks for reading.

danb99

@danb99 

I'll leave the dedicated streamer thing alone since it has been discussed ad nauseum. But I think your consideration of Iso gaya I feet is one to pursue. I just installed them under my PBN MONTANA XPS speakers and the result was nothing less than stunning. Mainly in the very low frequencies, they have tightened the bass considerably getting rid of any kind of rumble anywhere in the room, even in the back corners, while losing none of the punch. Also the presentation has overall become more precise and a tat brighter. A very significant upgrade for under 1k.

@danb99 

Another vote for the blusound N130 with an external LPS. Bypass the nodes internal DAC.  This combination is quite good and the BluOS app Is really good too. Good luck!

“Do I Need a Dedicated Streamer?”

 

does a bear go to the bathroom in the woods?

If it came with the amp it’s worth nothing because it was free! They are using junk little tiny boards and OP amps!

So yes you need a better DAC and better streamer!

plan on a budget if 5-10k each and another 2k for each for proper cables! 

@2psyop said it and explained it the best.  Funny, some commentary around using a computer designed and solely dedicated for streaming, that’s a dedicated streamer.  One of the big benefits rolling with a dedicated streamer vs building a computer for streaming is the interface / app that some companies have developed.  Node uses BLuOS (probably the best) and main recommended brands in this thread all have well thought out, built out and regularly upgraded apps, really important.  Best way for you to test out the different advice, find a dealer with a return policy, a/b streamer vs your current set up.  Let your ears decide.  I had a bias thinking a PC would do a better job vs streamer, when I compared the 2, let me ears decide, well, I’ve had a dedicated streamer ever since.  Good Luck.