2. amps-preamps
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streaming and audiophile stereo

I have heard it said that an audio system is only as good as its weakest link. I want to complete a system that will give me access to lots of music by Tidal and Roon, and I want the music played through some true audiophile components.  I am used to tube preamps, and will probably go that way again, though ss remains a possibility.  The speakers I intend to use are very efficient - 20 watts of amplification would be ample.  Here's my question:  in such a system, how important, and how variable, are the audio qualities of the digital source component - the streamer - at the front end?  If it does MQA does that alone mean it is the highest quality audio possible at this end of the system?  Or do some that accommodate MQA provide better sound than others that also accommodate MQA?  I see lots of reviews of features of these components, but not much about their individual sonic qualities.  Leaving aside features and convenience, are some better sounding than others and would this depend entirely on the DAC used?

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strawj's avatar
strawj
74 posts
 

Speakers, power, Cables, ETHERNET Cable.

dinov's avatar
dinov
833 posts
 

Huge! I went from a bluesound node to an Esoteric network streamer and I’m here to tell you that they don’t even compare. Don’t skimp on a good streamer. Lumin, Esoteric, but if your budget really can’t handle that, a node with at least a linear power supply upgrade. I was in that camp for many years until I took the plunge.

paulmorehead
2 posts
 

Fascinating discussion. Thank you, everyone. I am still using my MacBook Pro but I will investigate the streamers mentioned in your comments. My Mac sounds about as good as the BlueSound Node 2 to my ears with my Mytek DAC. Regarding MQA it is not always better, but listen to Dear Prudence on Tidal with and without MQA and it is like a different song. Same with Jackson Browne For a Dancer. No comparison. The MQA version is far superior. So we trust our ears, as everyone expressed. 

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
271 posts
 

In a good system Digital Playback is a Poster child for the old Linn proverb: “Garbage in, Garbage out”.

A good system will provide an un-merciful rendition of a poorly handled digital source, the better the system the more agonizing the rendition.

Source matters most, everything that follows just tries to not harm that signal - which is why you use tubes and Class A.

 Get the best streamer you can, spend the most on it followed by the pre-amp then DAC, then on whatever but keep in mind that noise is the gremlin of digital and you will need filters on your Ethernet and maybe other cables and at least one high end switch with a high end clock or outboard clock.  Power conditioners and grounding boxes and the quality of power cords have a great influence on the noise.

I recently upgraded my Innuos Statement to Next Gen.  Essentially only the dedicated power supply was upgraded and the improvement is astounding in terms of background quietness, detail and air.  The fullness and decay of the notes is amazing.  The upgrade was all about noise control, it was expensive but for me brought my system to a new level and has pretty much killed the upgrade bug- well except I am maybe looking at a Network Acoustics Muon USB cable.

FWIW Qobuz sounds worlds better than Tidal and there are control/playback apps that sound way better than Roon and they are without subscription fees.

bill_peloquin's avatar
bill_peloquin
38 posts
 

My issue is I do not have a great streamer. I have a great DAC, PowerAmp, Pre Amp. Speakers.  But I stream my Qobuz out of a MAC Mini.

There has to be a better solution.  I would love to buy a great used $5000 streamer for $2500.  But I also know technology is still fluid in this market.

So, Just a Streamer only, What is good in 2023?

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