new to streaming- help!


Hi all-

I'm a long time audiophile but have always gone the cd/vinyl route.  I am trying streaming but having trouble setting up a Bluesound Node X.  Something about my wifi it doesn't like...I am enjoying Tidal on my Macbook, however.  Which brings me to a question.  Would I get better sound quality anyway if I just connected my laptop to an external dac?  Should I scrap the Blue Sound?  And if go that route, does it matter if I have my laptop connected to ethernet, or will sound quality be the same on either ethernet or wifi?  (Asssuming a cable from MAC to DAC...).

Alternatively, would it make sense to run Tidal from Ipad to DAC? Or does one need  a streamer like Blue sound to do that?

I'm sure this will get sorted out, but feeling slightly overwhelmed at the moment.

Thanks!

Margot

mcanaday

Showing 1 response by audioman58

An external day of Quality is key , for 1 get rid of the wallwart power supplies to the router ,most are modem- router combos ,war wart power supplies Horribke noise makers buy a linear power supply, then a Ethernet  bridge LHY-SW8  sell very good LPS also loook on the wall wart most are 12 v and you need 4 amps or more in your LPS.

and SW8 Ethernet switch which gives alot for the money and your Ethernet cables 

pin a budget $200 each the Wireworld starlight ,usb cable too same brand  these are essential items , the $1k Denafrips Aries 12-1 dac excellent value 

and always use respectable power cords it does make a difference , Pangea awg14, Sig MK-2. Use Cardas best #1 Copper and all gold plated Copper connectors