Apple lossless as a source
I want to play Apple music as a source from either PC or iPhone (or whatever).
Background:
I am rebuilding my system to get back to music. I have several good but older components. I don't want to spend 5000$, lol
What I have:
NAD 2200 Power amp- continuous 100 watts at 8 ohms. Its dynamic headroom is rated at 6 dB, which means that it can deliver—in 20-millisecond bursts, twice per second—400 watts per channel to 8 ohms, 600 watts to 4 ohms, and 800 watts to 2-ohm loads.
Totem Tabu speakers- Basically upgraded Totem Model 1. Somewhere between a Forest and Forest Signature - very nice speakers that would be in the 5k range today.
I've been out of the audiophile stuff for many years (prior to all the digital stuff). Basically, I want to figure out how to get from Apple Music to the amp in a cost-effective way with the best quality. I am fairly technical but just haven't kept up with all the digital audio stuff.
Welcome. As you probably know by now, Apple Music isn’t well supported by the audio equipment manufacturers and for good reason. Apple’s move to better quality streaming is pretty recent. If products haven’t yet manifested, they probably will at some point. I only use Apple to stream through my watch when I leave my phone at home. Quboz is what I use for streaming. Whatever you do, go used to keep costs down. That most likely would mean letting go of your attachment to Apple. |
Apple just updated AirPod Pro to accept high bit rate audio, but I don’t think that most Apple devices will transmit high bit rate via Bluetooth. Someone here will know the answer and I believe this is one reason that the post above discusses DAC dongles. I think that a reasonable question would be at what price level can I purchase a used DAC that clearly outperforms computer streaming? I suspect that the answer is well under $1K. The next threshold for me would be at what spending level will allow me to hear improvements as I upgrade my other components? Another question might be, if I spend $5000 on a DAC and other upgrades to my present system, what components should I buy on the used market. The best approach to all these questions is to post your system on your profile so that others can quickly see what you are using. I know that you listed components in your original post. Here is a discussion regarding posting your equipment on your profile…. BTW.. I have a family plan with Quboz and everyone can stream on their phones and in the car. The family plan is not much more than the single license and allows for streaming in high bitrate, or low bitrate similar to other streaming services. No, I can’t stream just using my watch like I can with Apple.
|
