First streamer/DAC should always be a Bluesound.
From there it's easier to decide where to go, if at all.
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 $$ in a DAC or in a steamer? Not sure about budget, but I'm thinking $500-1000 used for both as a starting point. Thank you.
Terry
You could get a streamer/DAC combo unit like the Bluesound Node X or the Eversolo DMP-A6 and be off and running for under $1000. But, if you’re more serious about audio I’d go with a separate DAC and streamer as you can upgrade each in steps, which you’ll almost certainly want to do at some point. Here’s a nice DAC at a good price along with a good review in case it’s helpful (I own this BTW)… https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650084368-musician-pegasus-r2r-dac-black/ https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/musician-audio-pegasus-r2r-dac-review/
https://www.amazon.com/Bluesound-Wireless-Multi-Room-Hi-Res-Streamer/dp/B0937LC7P2?th=1 So for $1175 you’d be off to a great start, and you can upgrade the DAC or streamer down the road when you get “the itch” for even more — and you most certainly will. Or, as an alternative to upgrading the DAC and/or streamer, you can add a separate linear power supply (like Teddy Pardo, etc.) to the Node and/or a DDC (like the Musician Pisces or Denafrips Iris) in front of the Pegasus to take advantage of the i2S connection and get a significant boost in performance for not much $$$. Always nice to be able to upgrade in steps if possible. Anyway, just a few ideas for equipment FWIW, and then just get a Qobuz or Tidal subscription (both offer free trials) and you’ll be in great shape for starting your streaming experience. Best of luck. |
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. |