gary wrote: @audioengr, for those of us who don’t have an Ethernet-enabled DAC and use a Windows-based PC to stream our song library (JRiver) / TIDAL to a USB DAC using Wi-Fi, is there an Ethernet-based solution - other than buying a different DAC - to reducing jitter in the digital signal prior to it arriving at the DAC?
You bet. I make a version of my Off-Ramp with Ethernet input. It is the same interface I use in my DAC. Has these outputs: S/PDIF coax on BNC, AES/EBU, single-ended I2S on RJ-45 and Differential I2S on HDMI (for PSAudio etc.) It is called the INTERCHANGE. Comes with a Dynamo power supply and umblical. 20psec jitter on the S/PDIF output.
Steve, I know you believe ethernet delivers the highest quality signal, but I’m not able to run a cable from where my router sits to my audio-based PC. I also have my WIFI option that adds onto the Interchange or my Ethernet DAC. Its a 3-box solution for Interchange and WIFI. 2 IEC power cords. I don’t have these on my website yet, but I have had them for 6 months or more. Steve N. Empirical Audio |
My integrated, a hegel h360 has an onboard dac but i'm new to streaming and currently run a usb from a laptop to the unit and with tidal's highest res option many songs sound very good but am I getting the most from both formats? 1 being tidal and the other being the onboard dac? a dealer recommends the blue sound into my analog outs which makes no sense to me? Not to me either. The USB interface on most DACs is a weakpoint IME. you have the issues with USB SQ mixed with an unknown USB implementation. I would avoid the analog outs and use your Hegel DAC.
The Bluesound would be a good choice if there were features in there that you like ie; player software, user interface and streaming accessibility. I would use the S/PDIF output from it and reclock it with a Synchro-Mesh to lower the jitter. I would use a very good S/PDIF cable, like this one: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154425.0 If you want to improve your USB, then get a Berkeley USB converter and a good S/PDIF cable to your DAC. Get a good power supply to power the 5V in the USB cable, which powers the input side of the converter. This still requires a good player software and a good USB output port to sound decent. All USB ports are not the same. I use Amarra for USB, but Jriver with Ethernet is better. Steve N. Empirical Audio |
I too have been looking at the Oppo Sonica, DAC. For the money it seems to give the best bang for the buck.
JD
Now if only Charter would give me a clean and stable internet...
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I too am looking at the Oppo Sonica, DAC. Seems to give the most Bang for the buck.
JD
Now if only Charter would give me clean, STABLE, internet...
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Steve, shadorne, willemj, Thanks for your discussion here. I’m in a similar situation. I have a W4SDac2DSD, which is not bad, but am looking into what I need to start streaming Tidal, Spotify, etc. I have an old MacMini that I’m using for personal computing (home office) that I may convert to audio-only use. I’ve also been eyeing higher end streamers, and I’ve also been looking at NOS R2R ladder dacs, like Metrum, Denafrips, etc. Any thoughts and discussion are appreciated. |
I may have missed it somewhere along the way here, but a significant consideration with respect to the Bluesound that has not been touched upon is MQA compatibility. Streaming Tidal MQA is a real treat. If you want a single box solution with VERY good sound, the Bluesound PowerNode 2 is a streamer, MQA compatible DAC, and amplifier all in one. Amplifier is high quality (NAD). The Node2 has the same MQA compatibility BTW. The Powernode 2 has a subwoofer out (and internal fixed 80hz crossover you can turn on or off). I use it with some nice Monitor Audio Gold 50's and a Velodyne compact sub to VERY good effect. Don't know how you can be up and running MQA with quality amplification any easier or cheaper - while you research separates. You may decide they aren't necessary... |
I personally think MQA is bogus, but if others prefer to believe otherwise that is up to them. Similarly I do not believe streamers themselves make much of a sonic contribution, if any. If there is one, it is in the DAC. For 16/44 all I can say that that is really not a serious challenge anymore for remotely decent DAC chip sets. So as long as streaming Tidal etc is only 16/44 there is little point in worrying too much.
For most people a DAC with variable ouput is a great pre amplifier, unless you insist on an analogue input (but for those there is e.g. the Marantz HD DAC1, plus of course the Benchmark DAC3 in a different price bracket).
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@audioengr Hi Steve I was looking at the Synchromesh on your site and I think I am reading this right. There is an option for an output that down-samples to 16/44.1 correct? My DAC just does redbook and I have issues when inadvertently streaming MQA albums through Tidal so if that is in fact the case I would fine that very useful. Thanks! If relevant streamer is an Auralic Aries Mini to an Audio Note DAC-3 signature.
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Lumin d1 or d2.
airplay + MQA + balanced
not it an external dac though.
Buy it and you’ll probably never upgrade.
Few thousand though |
Hello Don Blackie a great streamer eith excellent dual dac Wolfsons best dacs in the Lumin D-1 , the New D2 has a built in power supply , the D1 allows you to buy a seperste Linear power supply of your choice .
Which I did and is a Huge improvement across the board , better fuses,and power cord Mike st audio Archon very helpful
Even after the sale which is Very helpful when learning the
Excellent Lumin app. For under $2-k without the upgrades and still sounds very good Analog sound comes to mind, and has Room, as well as Tidal with MQA- high res capabilities. |
Quick Question to all "in the know". Since yesterday I am using $35 Google Chromecast dongle to stream Tidal from iPad or Win7 into my Naim Audio stereo. Once I get mini-Toslink cable, I will use Wadia 781i as a DAC. Any comments on the benefits of getting more expensive "streamer" (I am more than happy with Wadia's DAC!) will be considered. Million Thanks!! |
In terms of streaming you are fine, esp. if you use the Chromecast's digital output. Its digital output has been shown to be bitperfect, and bitperfect is bitperfect. That digital output is relatively jittery, but not to the extent that a good DAC could not deal with that.
You say you are also streaming from Win 7, I assume casting from a tab in Chrome on the computer. Sonically that is inferior to using the tablet or your phone to cast.
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Got it! I will use iPad instead of Win7, Many Thanks!!!
I just noticed that Tidal gives Master Quality option only thru its desktop app. But Tidal/Desktop does not connect to Chromecast. "cast" option becomes available only when Tidal is launched from under GoogleChrome. Bummer!!
And to make Chromecast work with iTunes or JRiver will be a separate headache... |
Just a quick update for all the other "newbies" like myself. $35 Chromecast got connected to my Wadia 781i working as a DAC, streaming Tidal from iPad in Hi-Fi (Master Quality is on my to-do list, any tips will be greatly appreciated! Maybe it needs MQA decoder?)
sounds pretty decent, now I am considering signing up with Tidal for another 3 months of free streaming... |
Buy an Intel NUC kit with a suitable sized HD and Windows 10. Add JRiver for music management. Buy an external DAC. Schitt Audio has a great variety from a $99 Modi2 to a $2400 Yggy. I had the Bifrost Multibit and it was very good for $600. Control JRIver from any cheap android tablet. Here is a NUC you may want to consider... https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAA0S6135083 Plus now you have a fully functional Widows computer. You can load any other software you want to on it. |
Hi Steve I was looking at the Synchromesh on your site and I think I am reading this right. There is an option for an output that down-samples to 16/44.1 correct? My DAC just does redbook and I have issues when inadvertently streaming MQA albums through Tidal so if that is in fact the case I would fine that very useful. Thanks! If relevant streamer is an Auralic Aries Mini to an Audio Note DAC-3 signature.
Yes, the Synchro-Mesh can be ordered with 24/96 or 16/44.1 output. Any sample-rate up to 24/192 at the input works. This will reduce the jitter to 18psec and your AN DAC will love this. I highly recommend at least putting my Standard BNC cable with RCA adapters on the output side of the Synchro-Mesh. Actually best if used on both input and output, but you can use any cable you already have on the input. See: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154918.0 Steve N. |
BlueSound is phenomenal! It is so good I sold my Krell Cipher. Master quality ripping and streaming for a steal. |
I I will recommend starting from functionalities and end up with products. Do you want Roon? Then certain products are recommended. Do you want Tidal. Likewise. Are streaming from a computer or phone? To a HiFi? Multi room? Just at home or also mobile?
Personally I wanted streaming to HiFi and from my phone and I wanted it from router connected by Ethernet and with my phone as remote controller. I wanted Tidal as primary source.
I did did not know about Roon at the time and opted for a HiFi setup at home and a all-in-system in my summer house and iPhone streaming on the go. As all is based on Tidal I selected streaming products with Tidal build in.
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Steve 59 wr are hegel dealers and we sell bluesound lumin and 432evo servers the hegel will sound far better with usb and both the lumin and 432evo servers sound better
Dave and troy
Audio intellect nj
Bluesound,lumin and 432evo and hegel dealers |
