Computer, software, USB cable or ?

i’ve used lots of different approaches when streaming via computer, but here’s the best combination of solutions I’ve found to date

If the DAC utilizes the USB power (many do)
- I found the best cable solution to be a dual lead USB cable - this has separate cables for power and signal.
- get a separate power supply - Enercell does a really affordable 5v USB power supply that performs well
- Pangea and Doukmall(Ebat) sells reasonably priced cables ($50-60)

Get Audirvana streaming software - it bypasses the Apple routines which "colour" the sound.

Copy CD’s using DBpoweramp - it does a great job and let’s you know if data errors are present

Next I would consider getting a V-link192 USB/SPDIF converter - it has a superb USB interface and improved quality a lot. They are no longer made, so you’ll have to look at used

I’ve since done away with the computer/DAC/V-Link and opted to go with the Blusound Node 2 connected via Ethernet cable to a router and NAS drive.
- it’s simple(even my wife can use it), great sounding and by comparison to the computer/DAC/V-link/cables/powersupply combo - it’s affordable

The Node 2 is the best streaming solution I’ve experienced to date, but there are many similar products out there - so find one that fits you

Hope this helps - Steve

effischer...

  The C50 doesn't have a wireless capability and there is no way for me to run computer cable to it of any kind short of tearing out the ceiling in my basement 

The Node 2 has wireless as well as Ethernet networking, so it should connect to your router OK

it also has... 
- Digital Coax and Optical outputs
- a USB port - so you can connect a USB drive directly to it

So...
- it can connect directly to your C50 via SPDIF or optical
- it can connect ro a USB drive directly, i.e.  requires no networking for playing your digital library on a hard drive
- connects wirelessly to the internet via your router - for the various streaming services

From the Blusound web site: 

 Access your downloads and your entire iTunes library – or any other USB NAS drive connected – all without ever turning on a computer. 

FYI - I did run it wireless at one point, but experienced dropouts playing 24/192 tracks - however that was when my wife was working from home adn using the computer + VOIP phone.

Once she got off the phone everything was OK :-)

It's a pretty flexible unit + it has a pretty good DAC and Analogue output stage (if required)

Something to ponder :-)

Regards...

Effischer - re:...

One question I still have however, is about Internet radio.  90.7 FM out of New Orleans streams their broadcast, and it's one of several stations I like to listen to in this way.  Does the BlueSound control app allow streaming from these stations (sites) directly?

I'm listening to it as I type :-)

Simply select "Tune In" from the controller app  interface and then select
- State
- City
- then the radio station from the list provided

There is also a "custom setup' facility for stations not on the list, but I've never had to use it.

I did not go for the vault because I wanted to implement a mirrored RAID NAS. 

In the event of a hard drive failure I simply plug in a new hard drive and the NAS copies everything from the mirror automatically.

Yes - my hard drive failed - so I have first hand experience of drive replacement - RAID makes life very simple.

Regards - Steve