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CONNECT internet music souce to hi-end

I have just finished my cost no object listening room, and set up my main 2-channel system. I finally decided to buy a tuner again (MR88), because I wanted to listen to our local smooth jazz station in the room. TWO FRICKIN WEEKS, then format change! NO more jazz in the area.

I was introduced to "Pandora" on the internet, and think its a great idea.

But, how do I get High Quality connection to my main stereo?

Internet provider is Roadrunner/Time Warner cable.

My tuner is the McIntosh MR88, and my pre-amp has single end connectors and balanced inputs.

Can I hard wire? Is that the best connection?
trirotor

Showing 3 responses by kr4

kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
If you want to hard-wire, get a USB-DAC to connect the output of the computer to the Mac. I use a HRT in my office for this purpose.

Squeezebox Touch is the first choice for wireless.

Either way, the quality limitation will be the streaming source, not the hardware.

Kal
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
The player is irrelevant here as we are only speaking of a USB source from your PC. And here, I would definitely not go from PC to DAC to any transmitter, FM or otherwise. If you need to go wireless, use the Squeezebox Touch (which I am planning to do) or transmit the USB and convert at the music system.

The computer signals vary widely depending on the source. Some are terrible and some can be beautifully lossless. It is your burden to find what works for you.

Here's a review of one of the HRTs: http://www.stereophile.com/digitalprocessors/hrt_music_streamer_usb_da_converter/

Kal
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,707 posts
 
Tiggerfc:
Pandora is fantastic. I have about forty different "stations" programmed in and they play a great variety.
It seems to suck for classical as it only plays chunks (movements, arias, etc.) and not whole pieces of music.

Tiggerfic:
However, you mentioned "cost no object".
If someone did, there are more recommendations such as the Ayre QB-9:
http://www.ayre.com/qb9.htm

Kal
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