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Digital music questions

I'm somewhat new to hi res digital audio and I'm looking for some tips. I have been building my system and have purchased McIntosh c2700, which has a DAC built in, a 462 amp, and B&W 802d4s. Using Apple Music, I have been streaming music through a Macbook Pro via a USB cable to the DAC of the c2700 preamp.

The McIntosh preamp states the streaming quality is 44.1 kHz, which seem to be the low end of high-res streaming. I currently have so many subscriptions, including Sirius XM for the cars and Apple Music for my family, and more recently Nugs for concerts, (not to mention video subscriptions...seems it never ends), so I was hoping not to add another paid subscription.

That being said, am I leaving a lot on the table? Would a dedicated streamer sound a lot better than the Macbook Pro? Are there streamers without DACs, so I can use the McIntosh DAC without purchasing redundant equipment? I understand I cannot use Apple Music to get high res audio to the preamp, as they only provide it through Apple equipment at this time. Can I get a streamer that uses the DAC of the c2700 preamp? Finally, do I then need to add another subscription, such as Tidal or Qobuz, to get high res audio? 

Thanks....it's a lot of questions, but I'm sure someone here can help!

cmb13

Showing 1 response by vthokie83

vthokie83
658 posts
 

cmb13,

I am an engineer, but I still let my ears (and my budget) dictate my purchases. I am not a "bits is bits", or cable disbeliever, or power disbeliever; and that has only come by hearing the differences with my ears in my system. I'm also not going to disagree with those that have differing opinions, we've all got to make our own minds up on what does, and does not matter.

Most any dedicated streamer has outperformed my old computer based streaming. My current system of a Bluesound Node 130, LHY linear power supply, along with good high quality cables provides an excellent streamer set up with an excellent interface for a combined $950.

You might buy a Node X (latest model) $750 or an Eversolo DMP-A6 $899 and try for yourself. If they better your current streaming set up, then keep them.....if not then you can return them for a restocking fee.

But most are correct, better streamers (also more costly) form Aurender, Innuous, Lumin, etc do provide better SQ.....I've tested Aurender and Lumin products in my system and they were much better than my current set up, and I'm saving for it's replacement

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