2. digital
  3. 119102-63769

Streaming Audio Questions

I've recently started back into the whole stereo game after many years. I am interested in getting into streaming audio to my stereo and have questions I hope to get help with. Is it better to get a streaming system like the Bluesound Node going into my system or is a decent quality DAC from my laptop the way to go? I first heard a Sonos player through some darn good gear at a stereo shop and was underwhelmed with the sound quality. I read on the internet about the hi- res playback of the Bluesound and wonder if that is a good stand alone unit or if a DAC from my laptop would be as good or better than the Bluesound? Are there other hi-res streamers on the market? Is Tidal the only hi- res streaming site? Anyways, a bunch of noob questions I'm sure but I really need some guidance. Opinions would be appreciated.
bhans

Showing 3 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

I would not discount Sonos so quickly.  If you add a Synchro-Mesh reclocker between Sonos and your DAC, this can make all the difference.  Sonos is a great platform for redbook playback.  However, it delivers the bits with some jitter.  Then you just need a good de-jittering device and a good S/DIF coax cable.  I can provide both of these.  IT even has a path to audio nirvana.  Add the Hynes-based linear supply "Dynamo" along with my Coax cable and you have world-class source.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

What you have with Jriver is probably as good as it gets with USB and a PC. If you were to go Mac with the right version of Amarra, it would be a bit better, but not hugely. I have compared these and Mac is what I use.


The USB interface in the DAC is likely the weak point now.  Not too many really good ones out there IME.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

If your goal is sound quality with server driven audio, then Jitter is the #1 thing to reduce. The #2 thing is to eliminate or minimize the effect of the digital filter in the DAC. This is what wins best of shows and Golden Ear awards. This is why the new Meridian MQA technology is interesting. This is why so many use NOS DACs with older D/A chips in them.

The #3 thing to optimize is the server software, which means the player S/W, CODECs, power supply, OS and background tasks etc..  One product that optimizes all of this for you is the Antipodes server from New Zealand.  I would not hesitate to use one at a trade show and I have.  The Sony HAP series is very good, but beaten handily by the Antipodes.

If you dont care about SQ, then ignore these and buy the $250 DAC and the $500 server.

If your budget is $2K, then just get the Sony top of line HAP.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

More to discover