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Help streaming Qobuz through Macbook Pro

Okay, I’m just starting my streaming adventure and I’ve spent days down the rabbit hole. I’m using Qobuz from my iPhone to my MacBook Pro laptop, which is connected to a Mytek Liberty DAC, which is connected to my Plinius 8200 integrated amp. It took some doing but it plays and really enjoying Qobuz. My question is: how can I be sure (other than by listening) that the Qobuz high-resolution resolution files are playing at the highest resolution per Qobuz? I am using Airplay but I keep reading it doesn’t handle files higher than CD resolution. Then I also read where using an external DAC enables the files to play at up to 24/192 (or whatever the original resolution is). I’m really only interested in streaming if I can do it with high -resolution. Any insights/suggestions/clarifications to help me burrow out of this hole is appreciated. Thanks 

aheydorn

Showing 2 responses by aheydorn

aheydorn OP
21 posts
 

First, thanks for the comments- much appreciated. Sorry if I wasn’t clear with my explanation-as I said, just learning about streaming.
 

I do have the MacBook Pro connected to my DAC with a USB cable. Qobuz runs smoothly when I run it from the MBP. The problem came when I wanted to use the iPhone as a remote to control Qobuz. The MBP/DAC/amp are 15 ft or so from listening position so I’d have to get up and go to the MBP to change music in Qobuz. I got involved with airplay when I tried to set up the remote. So it sounds like I should get the phone out of the chain, and just get up to change music? So would a dedicated streamer enable me to use the phone as a remote? I would like to be able to have a remote. Thanks again.

aheydorn OP
21 posts
 

Thanks to all for your help… I figure i should provide an update of where I’m at. I bought a Wiim ultra, which is connected to the Mytek Liberty DAC / and it’s all up and running (no small feat for me!) I’m using the provided toslink cable which I think sounds mushy so I ordered upgraded cables to try out: Audioquest Cinnamon coaxial, USB and toslink. So far the only one to arrive is the USB and it sounds much cleaner and clearer than the in-the-box toslink. I’ve yet to compare it to CD or phono sound but I will…. One odd thing (odd to me anyway)… the Liberty software is on my MacBook Pro. So I need to connect the DAC to the MBP and open the Liberty app to change the input (from toslink to USB and vice versa). I can leave the DAC connected to the MBP when playing via toslink (and I assume coaxial?) but because the DAC only has one USB output I need to disconnect the DAC from the MBP (after changing the Liberty input on the MBP to USB)… only then can I plug the USB from the Wiim into the DAC (the DAC is no longer connected to the MBP) - and it plays through my system! I don’t get it but I guess once I decide on an output/cable for the Wiim it won’t matter because I won’t be going back and forth from one cable to another. Anyway, everyone’s comments have been very helpful. Thanks again.

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