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Re: streaming recommendations for newbie

Hi,

I'd like to finally enter the streaming world with my hifi system and am looking for recommendations.  I have streaming music in my car and on my computer, but I can't currently access any streaming services on my hifi system because I have tube gear and neither it nor my old backup gear have streaming capacity or a DAC (other than the CD player).  

 I guess that I need to buy both a streamer and a DAC?  I now have a pretty decent hifi system, but I want start out with modest priced streaming gear.    

Can anyone recommend a streamer & DAC, or unit that does both?  Does it make sense to put more $$ in a DAC or in a steamer?  Not sure about budget, but I'm thinking $500-1000 used for both as a starting point. Thank you.

Terry

tlh28

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,404 posts
 

BlueSound is the brand many people begin with. You can get a combined streamer / DAC. I’m sure many folks will jump in on this.

You can get streaming to sound as good or better than any other source depending on your investment level (provided you choose carefully). There are huge advantages as well… access to millions of albums for a pittance. Qobuz is the best source.

For the hardware long term, my rule of thumb is $ streamer = DAC = preamp = amp < speakers (again, heavily researched and carefully chosen). Separate streamer and DAC. The high end / audiophile stuff starts at ~ $5K+. Very substantial improvements in sound quality occurs in DACs through $10k and in streamers throught $15K assuming you have appropriate ancillary equipment.

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