2. analog
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HELP! Streaming to my old school audiophile system

HELP! I have a complete old school Nakamichi setup I've collected over the years (Stasis PA-7AII amp; CA-7A Pre-amp; ST-7 tuner; RX-505 tape deck; Dragon tape deck; MB-1 CD player; JVC turntable; all playing through my four JBL 4311B's). I want to be able to wireously stream music through this system but don't know where to start nor how to hook such a device to my pre-amp. Do I need a network streamer? A DAC? Another pre-amp? All of the above to do this right? I've looked at the Cambridge Azur 851N, but are there alternative devices. I also hear over and over again that AirPlay is the best media to stream with. Help! I'm lost and need educated and pointed in the right direction with a device or system that won't cheapen the sound my old school set up currently produces.  
jamwvu
9 responses Add your response
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,769 posts
 
To get started, use a laptop with Tidal Hi-Fi (of preferred) subscription with the USB feeding a digital to analog converter -something like a Schiit Modi Multibit DAC. Then send the DAC RCA output into a spare Aux input on your Nak preamp.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
Bluesound Node 2i
jamwvu OP
4 posts
 
Thank you for your reply. Educate me: What does this Bluesound do that the Cambridge unit I was looking at doesn't? Or was the Cambridge unit overkill. Please explain.  
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
The Node 2i has a much better GUI/App, (BluOS), does MQA and is half the price of the Cambridge.  The Cambridge is a fine unit, but the Node 2i is just as good, IMHO.
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
I'm not familiar with the Cambridge unit, so can't comment on how it compares in terms of sound quality to the Node 2i, but it includes a pre-amp, which you already have.  You're paying for that functionality when you buy the Cambridge unit.  The Node 2i is a simple device that does one thing only and has surprisingly good sound quality for the price of entry. 

One of the most important things about streaming is the interface to the player.  In most cases, it's an app.  The BlueOS app is really good and provides access to files on your network as well as most of the streaming services, TunedIn (internet radio stations from all over the world) and Radio Paradise (a high quality internet radio channel).
jamwvu OP
4 posts
 
Thank you all for helping me out.  I need to digest this.  I may have further questions as I get closer to purchase.  
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
+1 for the Node 2i

And if you treat it to some great Interconnect and power cables it will perform way above it's "snack bracket".

You can even get the Node 2 - the original version for a discounted price around $520 and the only difference is that it doesn't do Apple and Alexa stuff and it is NOT dual band wifi.

For absolute best playback results - connect it to the LAN via Ethernet in order to play 24/192 files without any dropouts.

Regards - Steve
jagjag's avatar
jagjag
89 posts
 
A simple streamer like the Gramaphon will do the job. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
If you just want to dip your toe into the water to see what you think then find $50 and buy a Google Chromecast Audio streamer of eBay.
It's about the size of a hockey puck and has just a single 3.5mm output.
Get a 3.5mm to l/r RCA cable, plug into back of your pre and that's it.
Stream Tidal or Qobuz.
Use an app like bubbleupnp to control it.
Use Google Home app to first set up the unit which is about as hard as plugging it in to power tbh... Lol.
Enjoy!
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