Digital newbie

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. 

I was in your shoes about four years ago.  And, like yourself, it was quite helpful to  listen to various suggestions and recommendations from others.  There're so very many variables and options available to you when it comes to building a digital audio system.  It'll take a little time for you to figure out just exactly how you want to configure your digital system.  I stream exclusively.  I opted for a somewhat simplified digital/streaming system consisting of:  an integrated amp, a stand alone streaming DAC, a Roon Nucleus Plus music server, and a Pakedge audiophile switch.  Happy listening.