For almost a year, I used my iPod to stream directly to the line input, I then added a used outboard DAC (Schiit Gungnir) and streamed to that. It was an easily audible improvement in the treble smoothness and soundstage! I just added a used Blusound Node 2i to bypass the computer completely and got another easily audible improvement, this time very a very noticeable improvement in midrange clarity (especially vocals) and much stronger and detailed deep bass. Even used, the pair totaled a sizable (for me) about $US1000 but I'm happy.
Do I need a streamer?
Streaming devices, with or without an internal DAC, seem to be very popular these days, so I am wondering if I am missing out on something. I have Audirvana on my iMac that streams Tidal and music from my 8 TB external HD. My iMac resides next to my audio rack and I connect my iMac via an optical cable (Fibbr) to my Aqua LaVoce DAC. It seems to me that my iMac and external HD take the place of a streaming device. Am I missing out on something other than convenience? My external HD was a few hundred bucks and streamers a whole lot more. The sound of my system is fantastic.
Showing 2 responses by pprocter
@soix Thanks for the suggestion! That was actually my next upgrade planned. I've been slogging around trying to choose the best option. I was looking at the pd Creative kit but they don't offer a USA 120v power supply and the shipping from Poland for just the circuit board is quite pricy! Do you have any options you've tried or considered? |