getting into streaming


So after many years of playing cd's, I'm considering getting into streaming music. I would prefer to use the DAC in my accuphase CD player; my question is I assume any streamer would require something additional to control it (smart phone, tablet etc) but I'm wondering if there is something out there that has its own controller to use to surf for songs, so I don't have to buy anything else to use it

gwng8

Showing 2 responses by itsjustme

One more idea: use a great streaming service like Tidal, which has a slick app. Then, for your local files (which i promise you will soon ignore), use the program built into your laptop(itunes/WMP) or Songbird (free).

While i have a love/hate relationship with Roon, i too think its a prime candidate for you.  You could also look at the open source KODI.  Both are software and must be run on either a regular laptop/desktop, or on a dedicated server.  Both are controlled by available remotes that are apps on phones/tablets.  Both can play local files (ripped CDs) and connect to streaming services. Note that streaming services, while great, vary greatly in quality.

Int he past i have written many pages on the dos-donts of streaming.  Streaming can be superior to CDs but it takes some doing to get it right (true with any digital). Note that once you introduce a noisy computer into the chain tho, isolating the audio chain from that (electronic and ground) noise becomes both more important and more difficult.  But its not rocket science - only the regular kind :-)

As a first step, you can use itunes + a $10 utility called bitperfect (on macs). There are several cheap/free programs for windows and Linux, but take more rolling of your own.  WMP/Windows has a bunch of issues - not fatal, but issues.  For one, its harder to keep things bitperfect.  For two until recently WIN did not support the latest USB high res spec. And USB, done right, is the best transfer method to a DAC.  Many will argue. They are not engineers familiar with the topic. Yes, its one of those places where you need to isolate noise very, very carefully.(see above).

I would NEVER go back now that i've gone to the dark side. The endless catalog, the convenience, the readily available re-masters are addicting!

Hear the sirens :-)