Apple iPad music streamer

Some time ago, I did use my iPad Pro with Qobuz. It was directly attached using a high-quality USB cable to my Chord Qutest DAC (later via a Chord M-Scaler), and it sounded great. However, I then replaced the iPad with a dedicated streamer and the sound quality improved dramatically (with the added bonus that I could control my music wirelessly). In summary, the iPad sounded flatter and less nuanced. So for me, it was a big step up.  Recently, I purchased an Innuos PULSE and the sound quality is even better now when I use the fantastic Innuos Sense app linked to Qobuz. I've even gotten rid of Roon!  I suppose everything would depend on how resolving your system is but, in my case, the improvement was obvious.

Currently using using a iPad Pro and windows based PC for music streaming. 

I have considered buying a Lumin U2 Streamer, my next purchase will be a Feliks Audio Envy ($8K) and the Hifiman Susvara ($6k). I may also upgrade to the Schiit Yggdrasil+ OG ($2.7K silver) from the Schiit Bifrost 2/64. I am also considering an offering from Amps and Sound for the head phone amp since I live in SOCAL.

So back to the music streamer, I use Apple Music for a long, long, long time and I also I use Tidal. I am inclined to stay with a device that supports Apple Music. I also build my PC’s and I am still a gamer at the age of 57. My current gaming rig is over 6k not including the monitor or associated gear. I am not skimping on the power supply, currently using a Corsair AX1600I power supply and an ASUS Z790 ROG Maximus Hero and an Intel I9-13900KS CPU. There is zero noise floor but both the iPad and my PC sound identical connected to the Schiit DAC.

office set up:

ipad. wired to Linn majik AMP - but sound is crap - so new set up will be:

ipad wireless ?  wired ??? any recommendations here -  (i have good wifi available) to Audiolab 6000N streamer.

I have been using Tidal.  I checked out Qobuz but was confused because it says the only way to stream Hi Res 24 bit is via Chrome Cast.  I consider myself reasonably tech savvy (but i'm 56 not 26) and i don't understand WTF that is - i'm guessing the protocol for transmitting wirelessly to the next item in the chain.  But i don't know (yet) if the Audiolab is Chrome cast compatible. if that is even a thing.  

 

Thank you - 

 

oh speakers

Totem Arros

Streaming over Wifi from your iPad to a Wiim Mini Pro would give you 192kHz, 24-bit audio for $99. The Wiim iOS app works really well. I use it mostly with a small system when traveling but it works perfectly in my main system, as well.

https://wiimhome.com/WiiMMini/Overview

Here's Darko's review

https://darko.audio/?s=Wiim

 

@voodoolounge 

 

Are you using AirPlay, or Bluetooth, or a digital wired connection between the DAC and the iPad?

audiomax11

I have read on the Qobuz website that the only way to stream wirelessly Hi Res 24 bit from an iOS device is by using google chromecast - is that the case ...

It could be. Airplay is limited to 16/44.1

I have read on the Qobuz website that the only way to stream wirelessly Hi Res 24 bit from an iOS device is by using google chromecast - is that the case ?  Anyone know how to do that with an iPad?  Appreciate any tips.

@cincyjim If you want a nice upgrade swap out the Camera Adapter for this and you’ll hear more of everything.  
https://www.lavricables.com/cables/reference-silver-lightning-interconnect-cable-for-oppo-ha-2-centrance-mini-m8/

Using my iPad 2 as a streamer, with loaded playlists from Mac Book Pro

works well with Apple camera dongle with AudioQuest Carbon USB to Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC sometimes interchangeable to PS Audio DAC III.

 

There are too many variables here.  What’s your equipment in your office system?  Adding a streamer will get you better sound versus streaming through your iPad/iPhone, especially if you’re using the headphone Jack.  Yuck.  I even bought a higher-quality lightning adapter to USB and hooked to a good DAC, but using a separate streamer was at another level entirely.  Last, give Qobuz a free trial — most of us much prefer it to Tidal and they have a lot more hi-res content and none of the MQA BS. 

I have tried about all. DAC first, external streamer second. Both necessary for great sound.

Ok question from a newbie here:

i recently got a Bluesound Node Streamer/DAC for my home stereo and stream from my ipad or iphone over wifi.  I stream Tidal - Love it.    In my office i just connected an ipad via headphone jack to an amplifier.  Sound is clearly - okay not great.  Trying to decide in my office - to either 1) get a streamer for there too or 2) get an external DAC and run my ipad thru that to my amp.  It sounds like option 1 will provide higher resolution audio but it also costs more.....thoughts? Thank you, 

If you are using Apple computer (macOS) and have your music in Apple music app (formerly iTunes), either imported local or Apple music streaming service, you can download the Apple Remote App on your iPhone or iPad and then control your Mac Music App library through this Remote App. I use it this way to navigate my Mac music library and it works fine. My Mac computer is connected to a DAC via usb cable.

Also, if you have a newer iPad with usb-c and the latest iPadOS, you do not need the camera connection kit cable. You can directly connect via usb-c. I also use this way by connecting iPad to my DAC and stream music from Apple music App and Spotify. In this case, I have not yet been able to figure out how to connect my iPhone Remote App to my iPad Music to navigate library.

Purchased used Pro-Ject Streambox S2 Ultra for $550. Holo KTE dac's prioritize usb connections and this streamer fits my bill exactly. Seller lives nearby so this transaction should happen quickly and I will finally know if a device in the chain between iMac and DAC is appreciable.

Hey jbs

You are correct, and the thought of ripping CD's...yikes!  

Yes, the current Node is roon ready. You probably know you can rip your CDs and setup a library which the node can see as a source. It takes times and for the vast majority streaming has the same stuff one would have on CDs. 

I think the Node is Roon ready? I have a 1000 or so CD's and crates of vinyl. The convieance streaming offers discovering new music is endless, and the SQ so far is amazing. I'm anticapating Node arrival. 

Ideally the streamer I need only does one job.There is no need for storage or disc components. Sadly my CD collection is gone however I'm very satisfied with Qobuz/Roon as a replacement Most streamers I see are paired with something and I am looking for a suggested device that is an improvement over my iMac DAC streaming without any of the noted.

Node will be an excellent upgrade from the ipad

OP,

 

My Aurender W20SE is $22K. I was concerned about the cost until I put it in my system…. It is a bargain. I immediately was thankful that I didn’t go for a lessor model.

 

Your thinking is in the right place… battery is quiet. The Aurender uses a battery to power the audio portion to minimize noise… it works. MACs / PCs too noisy. A good streamer is built up from the ground floor to be quiet. 

@fthompson251

Just got the Aurender N200, an upgrade from the Bluesound Vault. Really nice and enjoying it immensely. 

I connected a MacBook pro USB out to a Intona isolator then to a external DAC. I used Audirvana to play Qobuz and DSD. It sounded very nice but I'm thinking the MacBook is a noisy transport. So, this journey continues, a Node is on the way. I am trying to find a reseller that will let me audition a Arualic or Aurender in my music room. 

My system uses an iMac via USB to a HOLO DAC and sounds incredible to me. Guests always comment how great sounding the system is.

After many times reading about others that switched from iPads, Macs, pc, to dedicated streamers, with noticeable improvements, it's time to erase the question in my mind. 

An easy option for a wired connection is just to get a wall wart WiFi extender with an Ethernet port on the side (~$50) . Locate next to your system, plug in your streamer. I have heard many +$100K systems connected this way including my own systems. Works great, so running wire not required. Want to improve it you can connect a EtherRegen to the line from the extrender… but a good streamer takes care of the bits.

I’ve been doing it this way too and got a nice boost in detail, transparency, imaging, and soundstage by ditching the Apple Camera adapter and getting the one from LavriCable.  I was happy until I hooked up my CD transport and realized it sounded better, and after asking around here I’ll be getting a streamer — probably an iFi Stream.  Congrats on taking the plunge.  I think you made the right choice.  

I started out with an iPad utilizing the camera kit to my Marantz SACD player via USB. I liked the sound. At the time I was streaming Tidal. I eventually went with a dedicated streamer, the Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 Ultra into an external DAC. I run Pro-Ject’s streaming app (Volumio based) through the iPad and stream Qobuz and Spotify. The Pro-Ject app is a little wonky but it works well once you figure it out and I do enjoy having the ability to run everything from my chair or the kitchen when I’m cooking. Currently streaming Wi-Fi but working to hard wire the system. Some have questioned the cost of the Pro-Ject Streambox as it is RPi based but it works very well. Good luck and happy streaming!

If so, exclude Teac NT-505 as it LAN only and no digital out. 

I have a Marantz external DAC, and plan to a/b with the Node DAC.  Cat 8? My location doesn't allow for a LAN connection. I'm using WIFI but want to try a power line by Netgear. 

Dedicated streamer with Cat-8 Ethernet cable definitely will improve the SQ by several reasons. Separate DAC will give you even more improvement. Lanier outboard power supply for your streamer will give you another level of improvement. Also, such a setup could give you opportunity to play with SQ details using different interconnects. Descent streamer setup to start hear improvement probably will cost you 2K minimum. Good candidates: Lumin D2 or U1, Teac NT-505, Bluesound Node(only if used with separate DAC), Cambridge CXN v2 or Azur 851N…

Voodoolounge I think you’ll be impressed!

I thoroughly enjoy my Node 2i, which was reportedly a substantial step above the Node 2, in sound quality. Now I’m reading that the current Node is yet another step above the 2i. I used the analog out (internal DAC) Node 2i for a couple months before getting curious about using an external DAC. I found the DAC in the economical Emotiva PT-100 was not an improvement, but the DAC in my Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated did deliver a little finer detail and strings had a little more realistic warmth. The improved DAC in the Node may raise the bar for external DACs.

Thanks everyone for great suggestions and conversation. I ordered a bluesound node. I'm moving on up! Hey ghdprentice, what streamer cost $22,000?  

Aurender Streamers get to that price. I have my eye someday on the N200 just released.

As long as you are happy with the way it sounds and the way it works..... There are tons other "streamers" out there that are controlled by an APP at all sorts of price points... from < $200 (Raspberry Pi based, Arylic, Wiim)  to > $25K !!! I started out hard wiring using USB from my Mac or iPad to a DAC and it’s wonderful EXCEPT no way to control it remotely and tethering is a bit of a pain. I ended up with a Marantz SACD30n using HEOS (meh) app and it sounds great with Amazon Music HD. I may eventually get a Bluesound Node (2021 version) or Bluesound Vault (waiting for release of next gen, to rip CD’s too) as HEOS is a bit of a bear to work with. So many choices out there at all sorts of $$$. I can never see myself paying over $2K for a streamer but it’s out there for those that are inclined.

Thanks everyone for great suggestions and conversation. I ordered a bluesound node. I'm moving on up! Hey ghdprentice, what streamer cost $22,000?  

@georgew444 - I connect the Node 2i to an external DAC because while the Node does have an internal DAC, the Bel Canto DAC sounds considerably better, as it should since it cost five times what the Node 2i costs. It also is used as a preamp and DAC with one of my power amps. The Node 2i is easily worth its fairly modest cost because it functions so well as a streamer even if you don’t use its internal DAC.

BTW I LOVE QOBUZ!

Also the CXN V2 will update via the internet 

by a mere press of the controls 

 

it’s terrific I get hifi music from all over the world!as well.

I would suggest a Cambridge CXNV2 STREAMER

snd use it hard wire to the internet

 

also you could send the Qobuz via the iPad wirelessly to the streamer

i have this streamer and it’s great got it for $1000!

All I can say is that mConnect is klutzy, bettered by BubbleUPnP. HiFiCast is good for radio. Moode is not mobile friendly and buggy. Volumio does a few good things but is limited to Tidal and Qobuz for which you gotta subscribe unless you use BubbleUPnP (free) in front. I streamed off a computer for years, never going back. It would be just like going back to mp3’s. AM radio was where it was at until ’69, Brother  Love, KABC-FM. Get with the program.

You can spend as much as you want to but the returns are ever diminishing /$.

SFAR - you mention using an iPad with the Node 2i, which is what I do. Then you mention a Bel Canto DAC. Where does that come in. I connected the Node directly to my preamp assuming there was a DAC in the Node. Thanks

@voodoolounge 

For slightly more than the price of a new Bluesound node, you can pick up a used first generation  Auralic Aries Femto w/ outboard linear power supply. The LightningDS app is intuitive and easy to use, and in my system, the sound quality of the USB output of the Aries walks all over what I get from my CD transport connected via spdif to the same DAC. 

Sorry Kevin I am not sure I understand your question. After iPads I have used $3K $5K, $10K and finally a $22K streamer… each upgrade was very very significant. Ancillary equipment must support the increases in sound quality. My current streamer / DAC combo equals the sound quality of my great analog end (Linn LP12. Koetsu Rosewood Signature cartridge with Audio Research Ref 3 Phono stage).

Would what exactly compare?

Sorry—streaming to a DAC.

How would this set-up compare with the mconnect app streaming from an iPad to a Facebook (in my case, an OPPO 105D)?

I went from an Amazon Fire Tablet to an iFi Zen Stream, and the improvement in sound was very noticeable. A neighbor went from an Apple laptop to a Node and said he experienced a big improvement in sound as well.

From what I’ve read, you’re decreasing the amount of noise that’s getting through; noise you don’t realize you’re hearing until it’s no longer there. I can’t give you the technical reasons why, only that the sound jacks in laptops and tablets aren’t made for hifi purposes, and sound like it.

Also, as someone else mentioned, it’s wonderful to no longer have a wired remote (like some early ‘80s VCR). 

It’s win-win, and you will only curse yourself for not having done it earlier

OMG a dedicated streamer yes! I streamed with iPads, MACs, PC, iPods for that matter… my first dedicated streamer was a Auralic Aries G2… it didn’t last that long before I got my first Aurender. I prefer them. I now own two… see my systems under my ID.

 

What you get out of a streamer is dependent on the rest of your system. If the rest of your system is great it will just drop your jaw. Like a great turntable.

Yes. You ain’t heard nuttin’ yet.

Absolutely no reason to "pony up" yet.

Noise! Battery is quieter? That's what I'm thinking, if I love what I'm hearing now, possibly a dedicated streamer would be nicer. Auralic lines their G2 interior with copper. Of course it's thousands of dollars. I'll pony up someday. 

Just a heads up that the combo chargers and usb output dongles are often super noisy. A streamer is the right solution here.