Digital newbie

I started streaming several years ago.  Prior to that,  most of my listening was CD and some streaming of radio stations through my computer.  Because I wasn't sure,  I  started modest, with a Bluesound Node 2i.  Reasonable cost,  and the digital out allowed me to use my external dac at that time,  a PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell.  It  completely changed the way I listen to music!! I still play cds now and then,  but over 90 percent of my listening is streaming.  I've upgraded most all my system components since then,  including dac, amps, speakers,  but I still use the Node2i,  although I upgraded it with a TeddyPardo LPS (which significantly improved sq!) Why? Because of the operating system.  And that is something to keep in mind when shopping for a streamer.  Make sure that it supports the streaming services that you choose to listen to. My choices are Amazon HD (largest catalog,  large amount in Ultra HD,  good organization) and Idagio for classical music,  and IHeart radio for streaming broadcast stations. None of the high end streamers support both of these services; Innuos says it's in the works to do so,  but they're not sure when. The BluOS interface is very intuitive and flexible,  and works really well for me.  I  use the digital out into a  PS Audio Directstream DAC,  and the sq is great!! Usually better than the same recording played on my CD Transport! My suggestion is to start out modest until you determine what you really like; perhaps even used equipment that you can resell.  If you're lucky enough to have a nearby dealer,  maybe you can audition.  Give it a try,  and have some fun! There's often more enjoyment in the journey than resides at the destination! And as an earlier poster mentioned about some posters ridiculing newbies to a subject,  I say ignore those posters! Learning from others is what these forums are supposed to be about! As Will Rogers said,  "We're all ignorant,  just about different things!" Hope I gave some useful input. 

cjlundberg,

You never gave us a price range, which is the single most important piece of information. Streamers can range from a few hundred buck to $20,000. I can recommend a bunch of really good streamers in each price range, but won't just start throwing out recommendations that are either under of over your price range.

I'd be more than willing to help, but "help me, help you"

Plenty of good "coaching" above and primers.  I was in the same lane you are in a few years ago.  Confused about DAC's, streamers, ethernet connectivity, streaming services, etc.  I started with the BluSound Node 2i and educated myself along the way.  Suggest you pick up a used one with an optional LPS here on Audiogon and start your journey.  

mahler123

2,988 posts

03-25-2024 at 08:00pm 

It is interesting that most of the responses, which in general are quite helpful, restrict themselves to streaming.  Technically digital also means silver disc play.  I took the OP to mean that he or she listens to analog only, but the language has evolved to the point where most people think that digital refers only to what comes from a streaming service 

OP specifically mentioned streaming, network playback and associated services, plus being out of the audio loop for about a decade. CD’s being several decades older still, I think limiting convo to computer-stored files (whether remote or local) was the better bet. 😉

I am with those who have suggested you start with your computer. I stream Qobuz via my Mac Pro and when I find an album I find worthwhile to own I purchase the CD. I will someday purchase a dedicated streamer, however for now streaming serves for background music and music discovery.