2. digital
  3. 186673-3418

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 4 responses by mcanaday

mcanaday OP
168 posts
 

Thanks so much, I meant!

 

mcanaday OP
168 posts
 

Hi all-

Thanks for much.  I'll keep trying to sort out the Node x.  The issue is that neither my iPhone nor my MacBook recognize the player.  I do seem to be able to hook the Node X by ethernet and I can play music over bluetooth.  But as neither device recognizes the player, I haven't been able to set up Bluos or play music on Wi Fi.  I spoke to Blue Sound and they are also confused.  (I have unplugged, reset, deleted app and started again to no avail).  It may be a defective device or something wonky with the Wi Fi.  This is in a college dorm rather than private home.  If anyone has any ideas, please do let me know.  I may end up returning and trying another device.  

Thanks again, Margot

mcanaday OP
168 posts
 

Many, many thanks, all.  Such great advice.  Right now I am exploring Yage's hypothesis that my problem has to do with IT security settings.  More soon, I hope!

Margot

 

mcanaday OP
168 posts
 

Hi all!  I have now communicated with University IT.  I do not have a live ethernet connection and there likely is an issue with WI FI.  I can resolve it, I think.  I need to register for a different WI FI --with the Mac ID that is on the bottom of the Node X.  Hopefully when I do that, I can get my phone (or mac) to recognize the player so I can go ahead and install Bluos and be on my way.

I'm on Fall Break and away now so won't know for a week if I am operational, but will report back.

One other question for those who do like Tidal--If I am not connecting the Node X into external DAC, will I notice a difference between cd quality level and the premium (hi res) membership?  I went with the less expensive for now, but wonder what others think?  Would this only be worth it with external DAC?

Many thanks to all of you!

Margot

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