"Real" streamer vs. Bluetooth adapter--what's the advantage?


Hi folks. Please explain this to me in simple terms.

I’m currently streaming from a Galaxy 8 phone, Idagio and Amazon HD, to Audioengine B1 adapter connected by digital cable to a Hegel Rost integrated.

Suppose I got a ‘real’ streamer—Bluos or Cambridge or Marantz. Since I would be using a phone app to tell the streamer what to play, why would the sound quality improve? I’d still use the DAC in the amp, since I reckon that will be better than the one in a $1k or less streamer.

I’m pretty certain I’m missing something, but like the entanglement of sub-atomic particles, I just can’t get my head around it.

Any insight gratefully accepted.


128x128rsgottlieb

Showing 1 response by bluemoodriver

One of the beauties of the BS Node is that it allows so much experimentation on both the input and output sides. You can feed it by Bluetooth or Airplay, or direct.
I wouldn’t worry about using Airplay, if using it suits you. Airplay is lossless and serves up 44/16 red book - and nobody has been able to prove that higher rates or resolutions give audible differences.
Bluetooth on the Node is the aptX HD standard so if your phone is up to it this is “Hi Res” 24 bit. So actually “better” than Airplay (and standard CD) if you believe you can hear difference above 44/16.