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Help streaming Qobuz through Macbook Pro

Okay, I’m just starting my streaming adventure and I’ve spent days down the rabbit hole. I’m using Qobuz from my iPhone to my MacBook Pro laptop, which is connected to a Mytek Liberty DAC, which is connected to my Plinius 8200 integrated amp. It took some doing but it plays and really enjoying Qobuz. My question is: how can I be sure (other than by listening) that the Qobuz high-resolution resolution files are playing at the highest resolution per Qobuz? I am using Airplay but I keep reading it doesn’t handle files higher than CD resolution. Then I also read where using an external DAC enables the files to play at up to 24/192 (or whatever the original resolution is). I’m really only interested in streaming if I can do it with high -resolution. Any insights/suggestions/clarifications to help me burrow out of this hole is appreciated. Thanks 

aheydorn
gdaddy1
156 posts
 

I use Audirvana downloaded on a laptop, which bypasses the internals of the laptop using Qobuz. Out USB to a DAC.

Audirvana then has an app downloaded to a tablet or a phone that is a visual remote control for the music. Works perfectly. 

kerrybh
189 posts
 

Ditto on the blue sound node suggestion.
for not a lot of money, you can get much better performance and go from there.

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
426 posts
 

Now that you’ve received advice which is excellent,  may I make  some additional suggestions. Most of us went this route of using a laptop either Mac or Windows and learned to squeeze out all the performance we could. In doing so consider your cable , a USB allows the DAC to utilize its clock Vs a coax. Even with diminishing return, higher level USB cables will provide better SQ. Try buying from a source that offers free trials and free returns on a cable purchase. Also sometimes USB isolation will improve sound quantity, but not always. Considering where you are, a Bluesound Node would give you the most bang for your dollar and leave you room to build on. Chers , Mike B. 

aheydorn OP
21 posts
 

Thanks to all for your help… I figure i should provide an update of where I’m at. I bought a Wiim ultra, which is connected to the Mytek Liberty DAC / and it’s all up and running (no small feat for me!) I’m using the provided toslink cable which I think sounds mushy so I ordered upgraded cables to try out: Audioquest Cinnamon coaxial, USB and toslink. So far the only one to arrive is the USB and it sounds much cleaner and clearer than the in-the-box toslink. I’ve yet to compare it to CD or phono sound but I will…. One odd thing (odd to me anyway)… the Liberty software is on my MacBook Pro. So I need to connect the DAC to the MBP and open the Liberty app to change the input (from toslink to USB and vice versa). I can leave the DAC connected to the MBP when playing via toslink (and I assume coaxial?) but because the DAC only has one USB output I need to disconnect the DAC from the MBP (after changing the Liberty input on the MBP to USB)… only then can I plug the USB from the Wiim into the DAC (the DAC is no longer connected to the MBP) - and it plays through my system! I don’t get it but I guess once I decide on an output/cable for the Wiim it won’t matter because I won’t be going back and forth from one cable to another. Anyway, everyone’s comments have been very helpful. Thanks again.

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