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Internet Radio

I'm looking to add internet radio accessibility to my listening room environment. Right now I use my iPad, taking the headphone out to a cable that is terminated with stereo RCAs on the other end. It mostly works.

But I'm thinking there should be better. I see the Grace digital tuner, about $165. Seems the knock is lousy user interface. Today I saw a Sonos Connect and bridge- would run about $400. Some complain the wifi connection isn't robust. I also see the Magnum Dynalab tuners, which is way more that I can justify right now.

If anyone has experience with this stuff I'd appreciate your insights. I would go with then Sonos is if it's a solid answer to my needs.
128x128zavato
hgeifman
2,193 posts
 
I forgot to mention above that Tune In also provides you the ability to create a custom URL for stations you want to listen to but are not on the Tune In list.

A custom URL is a stream address that is most likely not in the TuneIn directory. Tune In gives the listener the option to enter their own URL in the custom space to listen to their private stream.

To listen to a custom URL, tap Favorites and then tap "add new custom URL" at the bottom of the screen. Enter the streaming URL in the text box.
zavato's avatar
zavato OP
1,403 posts
 
I do have an iPad and do listen to Tune in on it. My question is what's the optimum way to get that into my system. I'm presently using a cable that cost under $10 that takes the headphone outs of the iPad and running it to an open input on my integrated amp. An IStreamer maybe? Or do I just go with a seperate unit such ask the Sangean?
jl35
3,982 posts
 
Headphone out is not the way to go. Not sure which docks work with your iPad or if internet radio is worth a DAC, but probably best to not use the headphone jack. The Pure I-20 is great for iPod and inexpensive, not sure if it works with iPad.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
The iPad has no external USB port so you are going through its internal sound card meaning pretty mediocre sound quality when using the headphone jack. You cannot avoid this if I understand a iPad correctly. If you have a laptop computer Windows or Mac, it doesn't matter, get something like a Audioquest Dragonfly DAC as they are pretty inexpensive. Plug it into the laptops USB port, connect other end of Dragonfly with a mini jack cable to stereo. Download your favorite internet radio station and away you go! I have downloaded Slacker Radio and have been getting near CD quality this way. And by the way. A iPad has no USB port.
sandstone
358 posts
 
Hgeifman, Pls explain how one connects to an IPad with an ethernet cable.
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