Alternative to Audirvana and Audrivana Studio -- how to stream wirelessly?
I tried to simplify my music listening as much as I can. Got Hegel integrated with built-in DAC and WIFI. I was happily using Audirvana to stream with minor glitches until recently when the software become unusable. I can't seem to find the problem and they can't help me. I can use a USB cable from Tidal and listen that way but I prefer a wireless connection. I think that way sound is slightly better. I also tried finding answers to this question on the forum but could not locate a similar discussion. Any suggestions? thank you in advance.
The Audirvāna adventure started with a boxed set of 56 CDs by Aldo Cicciolini, a pianist I love. After ripping them to a digital format , I wanted to listen to them from my computer. I was disappointed when I tried the various “audiophile” playback solutions available at the time. I found these solutions to be technically questionable and the listening quality extremely poor. One would have thought a computer should sound as good as a CD player! I finally convinced myself that I could do better. I plucked up the courage to go for it, with the sole aim of creating the ultimate audio software.
Yeah, it can certainly be frustrating. YMMV, but I found that going to a separate streamer with a good power supply and files on a NAS to huge step forward. Many agree that the root of the issue is that computers run many processes unrelated to audio, require relatively higher power and electrical noise, EMI, RFI all make things worse. This led to separate low-power devices used only for audio, optical isolation, USB cables with separated 5V power lines and many other approaches that seek to minimize noise. Less noise = better music. audiophilestyle forums are full of talk on all these subtopics in gory detail ;-) Cheers, Spencer
Sounds like wifi issue. If possible, hard wiring server with ethernet cable should take care of your problem. Your mac can serve both as Roon core and endpoint, just not best for sonics. The Raspberry Pi is good choice at low price point. SOTM SMS 200 another choice,although more expensive, what I run.
Roon may end up being more expensive if you're not already using Tidal or Qobuz, the only two streaming music services interfacing with Roon. To repeat, you don't have to purchase any special equipment to run Roon, separate endpoint preferred.
@petar3 You can run Roon Core on your mac. It just isn't the best sounding option. Then you would just need a Roon Endpoint. Maybe someone can recommend one that's very low cost that would connect to your Hegel. A used microRendu goes for ~$300. Raspberry Pi probably has something under $100. You can also do a free Roon trial on your mac and if you love the experience, then decide on if you want to change your hardware or buy a longer subscription. Cheers, Spencer
isn't 120 for Roon on top of 1k for the equipment? I have Big Sur OS -- just updated from HS. possible issues are related. Weird thing is that I have issues on some days but not on others. Issues vary during each day too. I have no issue with any other of the 5 machines or streaming applications that are on the same WIFI system. I tried the new Audrivana Studio. Same variety of issues.
A renderer/streamer won't make Audirvana glitches go away, it will allow you to switch to more alternatives...most have DLNA/UPnP, many incorporate Roon(which includes Tidal & Qobuz), others have streaming service direct connections. You can use a tablet or phone as remote with many apps depending on what renderer you get. Some brands have their own app, others allow any OpenHome app(e.g. Linn Kazoo, Lumin app). FWIW, I find the Roon user experience miles ahead of everything else and love controlling playback on multiple devices from mac/iPad/iPhone. Watch Hans B's youtube on Roon 1.8 if you want a good demo. Cheers, Spencer
i am surprised by the number of answers. What I am trying to do is the best combination of simplicity and quality of listening. You might get better quality with records but not a better choice or easier access. Is it possible that only a few of HIFI enthusiast use the new technology?
i would not want to do AirPlay or Chromecast or Bluetooth because of their low quality. it defeats the purpose of putting together high-end equipment. Audirvana is, as far as I know, the only application that maintains the high quality of the source.
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