Interesting and helpful chain - I have what might be an even more-basic question: I currently don’t stream but am considering expanding to Tidal. I play hi-res FLAC files from a laptop using JRiver through an entry-level Liberty DAC. What do I need to be able to stream hi-res music files? Any guidance appreciated!
Re: streaming recommendations for newbie
Hi,
I'd like to finally enter the streaming world with my hifi system and am looking for recommendations. I have streaming music in my car and on my computer, but I can't currently access any streaming services on my hifi system because I have tube gear and neither it nor my old backup gear have streaming capacity or a DAC (other than the CD player).
I guess that I need to buy both a streamer and a DAC? I now have a pretty decent hifi system, but I want start out with modest priced streaming gear.
Can anyone recommend a streamer & DAC, or unit that does both? Does it make sense to put more $$ in a DAC or in a steamer? Not sure about budget, but I'm thinking $500-1000 used for both as a starting point. Thank you.
Terry
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@brottdwayne Using Bluetooth and your AVR are both greatly limiting your streaming sound quality. Bluetooth is a fairly low quality source with limited resolution and dynamics, and subscribing to something like Qobuz or Tidal (both of which offer free trial periods) will get you at least CD quality and a lot of music in high res. Your AVR, in addition to using cheap electronic components, is a hellaciously noisy environment for streaming, and noise is the arch enemy of better streaming sound. Standalone streamers go to great lengths to minimize noise (among many other things) that results in much better sound quality. Upgrading to a decent streamer and DAC or even a budget combo DAC/streamer along with a better subscription music service will bring you to an entirely higher-level streaming experience. Hope this brief summary answers at least some of your questions. By the way, do you have a separate system for vinyl listening? What’s the rest of your equipment in your 2-channel setup? |
@aheydorn All you need is a streamer (preferably wired directly to your router) that you connect to your DAC along with a Qobuz or Tidal subscription (both offer free trials). Something like a Bluesound Node is a great and relatively inexpensive way to get started. Hope this helps.
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@tlh28 - I too decided to try streaming a few years ago. I started with a Bluetooth receiver connected to one of the tape inputs on my then ARC SP-9 and simply used my phone to get Pandora. I loved the convenience and the ability to also stream from the Amazon Music app. My next step was to a Bluesound Node2i via wifi. Another step up in sound quality though the wifi was a bit fiddly. Eventually I went hardwire from a Mesh router extension and solved that issue as well as improved the SQ even further. Taking BT out of the signal path will be a great improvement! Next step was an external DAC, which the 2i allows you to use. I went with a Border Patrol DAC (tube rectified power supply) but there are many excellent DACs out there to listen to and choose from. My final step with this rig was to upgrade from the switching power supply in the 2i to a PD Creative setup which cleaned up the grunge. So far I'm pretty pleased with this arrangement and don't see the need to upgrade considering the rest of my vintage system. Two things (among many!) to consider: The first is whatever streamer you choose should have an easy to use, feature rich app to go with it. The BlueOS is okay but I'd consider it a starting point. The second is that whatever app you get also be able to access a variety of streaming services such as Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon, etc. Happy listening.
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