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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
jetter
3,082 posts
 

@tlh28 

I have had the node 2i for a number of years.  The streamer is fine in my opinion, but the internal DAC is not.  While I had my DAC being updated/modded, I was dependent on the 2i internal DAC, and I pretty much stopped streaming/listening altogether.  When I received my DAC back from being modded I connected it to the 2i via coaxial and great sounds again.

12many
297 posts
 

I started with a bluesound node and it was a great first step.  Sounded great and worked with amazon.  I was happy as can be to have access to so much music and great sound.  On the advice of others, I then upgraded to an Aurender N150 streamer and qobuz even though I did not think it would improve the sound quality.  I was wrong - it was an easy to notice improvement. 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,016 posts
 

Does your integrated amp or pre have a digital input?

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