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Fear of Streaming

So I was sitting around the other day and I had a yearning to hear Harry Chapin sing "Cats in the Cradle". Go to my vinyl collection and don't have it. Thought I did, but I was wrong. So I start thinking, maybe I can get a blue tooth device to hook to my integrated tube amp and then I can pair my phone with it and listen when I want. I find that it exists and purchase this Harmon Kardon BTA 10 device. It arrives, easy to use, and now I can listen to anything that comes through my phone onto my system. It is pretty cool to listen to the random song I haven't thought of in a while but sounds nothing like my vinyl. It does have some cool applications. For instance, I can't get any Buffalo Bills games down here in Savannah, GA. I downloaded an upstate NY radio station that airs the games and now I can listen to it live through my system which I find a very cool quality of life issue. However, it left me thinking that if I were to buy a dedicated streaming component then I would have all the world's music at my fingertips and it would sound so much better than going through that little HK BTA 10. However, here is my dilemma that I am really torn about. I love listening to my vinyl. I love the ritual of it. I love picking out the LP, queing it up, sitting down and reading the cover and sleeve. Getting up and flipping sides. Then repeat. I'm terrified that I will get lazy and stop doing this out of the convenience of tapping a button on a device. Sure, you can probably read all of the guts and inserts of an LP on an app but just isn't the same tactile pleasure nor rekindle those same feelings I remember when first discovering the wondorous beauty of sound. I realize this is my problem but was just wondering if any one else has ever felt the same struggle and how you rectified it. Did you make the leap and was happy you did so or did you look back in regret?
ricmci
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
The right source and right steaming software will have you finding and listening to new music.

Music that you might be able to find on LP.

So it is generally very much a win-win to add streaming.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
976 posts
 
Streaming is the discovery technology.  Vinyl is the ritual. 

Wait till you start streaming something like RadioParadise and hear content you have not heard, playing at CD quality, then jump over to Qobuz and play the album at Hi Rez/CD.  Then go buy the vinyl and have a ceremonial session.
jwhitephoto
6 posts
 
I still listen to vinyl, even though I have 2500 Hi-Res Flac albums on a dedicated 2-Tb SSD connected via an Intel NUC and Chord DAC to my system via Roon. I love having the convenience of both. Which one I listen to just depends on the mood and convenience factor.
jrpnde
271 posts
 
This doesn't address your aim to stream music but does address your desire to tune into Buffalo Bills games. There is a site called VIPBOX. There you can watch almost any sports events and other things. Some popup and spam blockers may prohibit the streams from coming thru but as long as you are running a decent anti virus program it isn't an issue. Just an FYI.

ricmci OP
219 posts
 
Thanks for all the insight. It sounds as if everyone has found a nice balance and I think I have to frame it the right way from the start just as all of you have so eloquently stated. I think I will start researching streaming devices and go from there. I do enjoy the research part of upgrading or adding new components so even if it takes a year to figure out what I want, the journey will be fun. Thanks again.
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