@2psyop said it and explained it the best. Funny, some commentary around using a computer designed and solely dedicated for streaming, that’s a dedicated streamer. One of the big benefits rolling with a dedicated streamer vs building a computer for streaming is the interface / app that some companies have developed. Node uses BLuOS (probably the best) and main recommended brands in this thread all have well thought out, built out and regularly upgraded apps, really important. Best way for you to test out the different advice, find a dealer with a return policy, a/b streamer vs your current set up. Let your ears decide. I had a bias thinking a PC would do a better job vs streamer, when I compared the 2, let me ears decide, well, I’ve had a dedicated streamer ever since. Good Luck.
Do I Need a Dedicated Streamer?
Hello everyone,
As the title states, I am still unsure of if I need a dedicated streamer and if it would increase the fidelity of my music compared to how I am listening at the moment. Which is using AirPlay 2 from my iPhone to my Hegel H590 Integrated amp.
I know that the DAC in the Hegel H590 is considered quite good and it was one of the reasons that I bought the amplifier to begin with. However, would I get a better input using a dedicated streamer for around $1000 (such as the Cambridge CXNV2 for example) or would I be better off leaving things as is?
I am just not sure if airplaying music to the Hegel is degrading the signal in comparison to a streamer that would pull its own data and send it directly to the amplifier? Also, would improving my router placement and wifi signal make any difference to the sound since my Hegel is hardwired using a mesh wifi system?
I am open to switching streaming platforms if I can gain something out of it such as resolution but I’m not sure if apple music is the issue in any of this.
If the answer to the title is a no. I am curious what I would need to take the quality of my listening experience to the next level or where money would be better spent to achieve that. I do have acoustic panels in my room and have done my fair share of research on speaker placement already.
The only thing that I have been considering in the near-future would have to be the isoacoustics gaia 1 feet.
My equipment:
Hegel H590 Integrated
KEF Reference 5 Meta
Metra Velox Speaker Cables
Thanks for reading.