Another vote for a dedicated streamer, especially with your excellent DAC. A computer is about the worst source of streaming due to excessive noise, which is the mortal enemy of better streaming performance. I started streaming Qobuz from my iPad, and adding even a low-budget iFi Zen Stream ($399) was a huge improvement. You could consider something like an Innuos Zen Stream that along with being a very good streamer you can load your CDs directly into it. In streaming, I’ve found everything can make a significant difference, which is both exciting given all the areas to get better sound but also a bit daunting. Such is audio, but it’s well worth it and you can just upgrade pieces in stages, which is nice. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
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 5 responses by soix
+1 @vthokie83 Exactly. |
@pprocter That’s a great example of how much everything matters in streaming. I started the same way you did and followed a similar progression and had very similar impressions. Obviously upgrading your DAC or streamer down the road can get you even more, but if you’d like another very cost-effective improvement in the meantime you can add an upgraded power supply to the Node that many have found to yield significant sonic improvements. Just an idea to ponder. Anyway, nice job with the upgrades and glad you’re enjoying the benefits of your efforts. |
Sorry, I’m far from an expert on power supplies, but I know Teddy Pardo products get nice reviews although there may be others at lower prices that will still get you significant improvements. I just can’t remember their names. Buy used if you can is my best advice as power supplies should last a long time and are very robust. Best of luck. |