2. misc-audio
  3. 190306-141211

Starting Over and I need your help

The more I read…….the more I become confused!…..Do I simply need to start over with more carefully selected components?

I currently own a Musical Paradise MP 301 III, Bluesound Node 2i, Omega 7 speakers, and a Rotel RCD 06 SE CD player. To me, this system sounds underwhelming, especially when streaming. I use Apple Music as a source but I am open to switching to another. I only play CDs and stream and do not see myself incorporating vinyl into the mix. Musical tastes are jazz and acoustic. The room size is smallish home office. By the way, I also own a Parasound Zamp that I currently don’t use because I do not have a preamp……should I sell or keep that?

I am willing to sell it all, if needed, to get better sound.  If you were me, what would you change or keep? My total budget would be under $3000 and by buying some used I bet you guys can help me figure out what I should pursue within Audiogon to purchase.

Many thanks in advance for your expertise and opinions!

Andy

Raleigh NC

 

 

 

wavendon
ssg308's avatar
ssg308
80 posts
 

how you getting signal form Apple Music to your system ?

cdc
1,714 posts
 

Message received, loud and clear. I will start auditioning amps at the local store.

Apparently not. You have a perfectly fine amp with volume control, a Zamp, you can try right now.

wavendon OP
13 posts
 

Thank you I will try that soon 

macg19
774 posts
 

For sure audition, and there are some great suggestions above.

My 2 cents...I’d consider a used Hegel H190 - a very solid one-box solution if the Zamp doesn’t work out well for you. There are a couple for sale on US Audio Mart within your budget.

And go with Tidal or Qobuz for streaming.

dinosore
103 posts
 

Your biggest issue is Apple Music. If you are using AirPlay2 to stream from your phone, the Apple Music app will down-sample the stream to a very lossy 256kbps. This is an Apple issue, not Bluesound. 

Try signing up for a free trial of Tidal or Qobuz and see if that improves things on the streaming end.

I have a Node 2i in my main system, where I have it connected directly to my preamp, as well as through a Denafrips Ares II DAC. I stream Qobuz, Tidal and FLAC files from a NAS drive. All sound great, but Apple Music via AirPlay2 sounds really thin and flat. I couldn't figure out why until I learned about how the Apple Music app works on iPhones and iPads to down-sample the stream.

Sadly, Apple won't work with third-party streamers (except Sonos) to install Apple Music natively. There are a few Android-based streamers where you can add the Apple Music app and get lossless streaming (e.g. Eversolo). It is my understanding that you can get lossless Apple Music via the app if you use it on a MacBook Pro. Otherwise, you have to tether your Apple device directly to a DAC.

 

More to discover