I need help getting this all to work?


Ok I am only 50 but am so lost with all this new stereo lingo and products. I have a family that wants to listen to music stored on a computer and also be able to listen to Apple radio. I don't want a simple bluetooth speaker. I used to have quality audio equipment and want to get back into listening.

Here is what we have:
3 MacBooks
1 Mac full size computer where ripped cd's (300) are stored
4 apple TV's I think 3 version
Apple airport older version
Apple Airport express
4 Iphones 4-6 versions

Want to have
 
Integrated amp like Hegel 80 and goo speakers 

Want to be able to

Have wife or 12 year old simply play stored music and Apple radio by pressing play and choosing source. No fiddling, no turning on 5 components, little to no drop out, no hassles.

The choice of speakers/amp are a personal choice so I am looking to do that separate unless there is a product such as the Hegel that might eliminate an extra needed product.

Budget besides the above is approx $5k .

I appreciate any help and direction as to how to get this going. I have read and read and think at this point I am confusing the situation even more. Do I already have everything besides amp an speakers?

Thanks

wannastereo

Showing 5 responses by erik_squires

mofi,

At least the one’s I went shopping to in the high-end. Auralic was one, Aurender was another.

The big Asian brands all support both.

Happy to be proven wrong, since I'm 95% PC/Linux/Android here.


Best,


E
The good news: You are an all Mac home, and most device makers support Mac, and not Android.

Also, Auralic makes a streamer/DAC/Amp as well.
Here's the thing. If you really want a pick up your phone and hit play solution, you may need to forego any thought of separates.

The best such solutions are receivers with built in streamers. Lots to choose from in the normal far-east market (Dennon, Yamaha, Marantz, etc). You can also do a lot with Sonos gear.

Many fewer choices from high-end brands. The integration with networking phones and software maintenance is pretty expensive so only a few of the boutique brands bother at all.

If you can sacrifice a little convenience you could do streamer + good integrated. Like the Parasound integrated for instance, but you still have to make sure the integrated is set to your streamer, AND on.

See how this goes?

This is why I pointed you to Roon and Naim. Roon for the links, Naim for the all in one solution.