2. digital
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Apple lossless as a source

I want to play Apple music as a source from either PC or iPhone (or whatever).

Background:

I am rebuilding my system to get back to music.  I have several good but older components.  I don't want to spend 5000$, lol

What I have:

NAD 2200 Power amp- continuous 100 watts at 8 ohms. Its dynamic headroom is rated at 6 dB, which means that it can deliver—in 20-millisecond bursts, twice per second—400 watts per channel to 8 ohms, 600 watts to 4 ohms, and 800 watts to 2-ohm loads.

Totem Tabu speakers- Basically upgraded Totem Model 1.  Somewhere between a Forest and Forest Signature - very nice speakers that would be in the 5k range today.

 

I've been out of the audiophile stuff for many years (prior to all the digital stuff).  Basically, I want to figure out how to get from Apple Music to the amp in a cost-effective way with the best quality.  I am fairly technical but just haven't kept up with all the digital audio stuff.

moverton99
moverton99 OP
30 posts
 

I decided to replace the receiver and add an integrated amp with streaming built in.

Video Source: Firestick 4k ->

TV: Sony X90CL ->

Receiver: YAMAHA RX-A2A AVENTAGE ->

Center + Surround speakers

Pre-outs ->

Integrated amp: Hegel H120 ->

Main Speakers: Totem Wind

The Hegal can supply the streaming from Qubuz or Tidal. Airplay is limited to lossless 16-bit/44.1kHz. I’ll test Apple vs Qubuz/Tidal to see if I can actually hear the difference and switch as needed. Reviews of the Hagel say it has pretty good DAC, Preamp, Amp. Should be plenty to drive the Totems at any volume I listen to.

 

Some context that wasn’t in this post (it’s kind of hard to get the whole situation in one forum post). My Totem Tabu’s have a blown driver at high volume/low frequency. So I wanted to replace those. Found a pair of Totem Wind’s for a good price.

This meant I needed more amp power so I posted another post about that issue. Emphasis-on-stereo-but-need-a-complete-solution

@soix made me realize I could replace the receiver and use the pre-outs to a good streamer integrated amp. The Hagel overcame my resistance to combining power amp and doc/preamp. Whole thing (without the Totems is $2575).

I’ll report back once I have everything setup.

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,913 posts
 

Hegel H120 can probably be used with Mconnect and you don’t have to airplay to it. 

moverton99 OP
30 posts
 

One change, I accidently swapped the Hagel fH190 for the H120.  Luckily @soix pointed it out and I just swapped it for the H190 with the store.  Total cost is now $3275.

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