Bluetooth for controlling the Staccato by phone. The streaming is done via ethernet. I can control the Staccato using computer being signed to Spotify that I subscribe to.
Stepping into streaming, finally
As the title states finally I have gotten into streaming realm. Wanted ethernet streamer connectivity and started with Wiim feeding Denafrips Venus II 12th then into Pathos Inpol Remix and finally to Sonus Faber Venere. Well, I was not thrilled with the sound quality not to mention lack of cooperation from Wiim with pure ethernet path. Tried Bluesound Node, small steps. No dice with Node either. Came across EarMen Stacatto with exclusive ethernet connectivity and no DAC built in, exactly what I needed, very few reviews but took a chance. Well, all the boxes of my needs checked, with sound quality matching CDs, transported by Jay's Audio CDT2 MK3. I think that says a lot. Very satisfied, expectations exceeded.
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- 44 posts total
“sound quality matching CDs, transported by Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3” Not to parade on your happiness with Staccato…but if you subscribe to Spotify then you’re in for a big treat if you give a chance to Tidal. Spotify streaming quality is among the worst and it certainly not close to CD quality. Spotify's maximum bit rate for streaming is 320kbps. The audio quality of a CD is 1,411kbps. |
@knock1 That is very strange from the Earmen site I went to reviews and the Hifi News review listed the Staccato as 999 British pounds. Nice performance for a bargain streamer but curious if it doesn't do wifi why does it have an antenna? |
@jond The antenna is for Bluetooth connection with the phone as a remote control. Indeed the pricing is quite "interesting", I have seen prices as high as about $1100, "regular" price on EarMen website is $429 and for about a week it is on sale for $249, that's where I bought it from. |
@lalitk I do not know what to tell you. Maybe my system is not revealing enough. I have Caladans coming, will see if they better the Sonus Fabers or maybe my hearing? I think at this point the sound quality is comparable, granted I have not spent long time comparing. But I am certain that there is huge difference, for better, from both Wimm and Node using only the streamer sections. |
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