Digital newbie

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.        

First thing, do NOT go out and spend a boatload on gear.  Start slowly and get to understand how streaming works and what you want it to do.  Consider Roon as there is a good community to help you get up to speed on how to use it. 

Second, do not apply analog logic to digital gear.  Lots of the tweaks and boxes and audiophile widgets on the digital side are of questionable effect (to put it mildly). Another reason to learn before you dive in. 

Third, even a relatively cheap DAC (understanding that is relative - I mean those sub $1000, some of them well below $1000, have 98% of the performance of more expensive DACs.  So make sure to get a decent one to start but you don't need to go higher until you know exactly what you want, if you ever do. 

Qobuz and Tidal are the lossless streaming providers that work with Roon.  Suggest you start with one of them - Tidal being easier to use. 

How to approach streaming will depend on your personality. For me, wading into the shallow end is a great way to either become frustrated or to spend a tremendous amount of money constantly upgrading until I get something at or better than analog..

You want a separate DAC box and Streamer box.

I have / do own streamers / DACs from $200 to $20K. In general they get much better sounding the more you spend. To get high end sound quality $5K is the general area for both the streamer and DAC can get you there. Improvements continue the more you pay… in particular the streamer makes incrementally larger differences in sound quality.

I highly recommend the best Aurrender you can afford, even their entry level is phenomenal, although Lumin are also good. Qobuz is the best service with the most high resolution albums.