Stepping into streaming, finally


As the title states finally I have gotten into streaming realm. Wanted ethernet streamer connectivity and started with Wiim feeding Denafrips Venus II 12th then into Pathos Inpol Remix and finally to Sonus Faber Venere. Well, I was not thrilled with the sound quality not to mention lack of cooperation from Wiim with pure ethernet path. Tried Bluesound Node, small steps. No dice with Node either. Came across EarMen Stacatto with exclusive ethernet connectivity and no DAC built in, exactly what I needed, very few reviews but took a chance. Well, all the boxes of my needs checked, with sound quality matching CDs, transported by Jay's Audio CDT2 MK3. I think that says a lot. Very satisfied, expectations exceeded.

knock1

Showing 8 responses by audphile1

Interesting. I never heard of EarMen. Looks like a decent option for those using Tidal connect and or Spotify connect.

@knock1 if your streamer and DAC don’t unfold MQA you are probably better off just playing 16/44 versions on Tidal. 
One other suggestion, if you are using USB cable between streamer and DAC you can try a better cable. Might close the gap with the CDT some more. 

AQ Cinnamon should be good. As to Tidal…not sure. Are you using tidal connect?

I was asking whether or not you were streaming using tidal connect. Or were you using Bluetooth?

@knock1 were you controlling tidal streaming from the tidal app? Just trying to figure out how you’re streaming your music. What do you use phone or tablet? What app?

Is this how you’re streaming? Just making sure you’re getting the best quality…