Streaming Curious


I'm a vinyl listener that plays an occasional CD.  Im interested in trying out a streaming service and wonder if the Bluesound Node would be a good testing vehicle for me.  My main objective will be to see if the modern interface is really compelling, but SQ will obviously influence my decision.  I have an Air Tight ATM-300 amp and DeVore O/96 speakers, so I'm concerned it might not show off digital very well...?

Frank

128x128fburkeen

Showing 4 responses by soix

Streaming will change your music-loving life and will likely turn you into a streaming listener who plays an occasional LP.  IMHO your system deserves much better than a Node.  Buy this used Innuos Zen that has a very user-friendly interface, great sound, and you can even load your CDs into it and never have to spin another silver disc again.  If you don’t fall in love with it you can just turn around and sell it for about what you paid, but you won’t.  Best of luck.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650073521-innuos-zen-mk3-2tb-hdd-music-server/

@ellajeanelle  I’d encourage you to do a free trial of Qobuz and compare to Amazon (I have).  I’m a Prime member too but still pay a few dollars more per month for Qobuz because IME Amazon’s “HD” quality ain’t there yet.  FWIW.

I may do that although I am pretty content with the sound.  How is the audio quality better?

@ellajeanelle  I have both Qobuz and Ultra HD Amazon and find Qobuz superior listening to the same recordings.  It’s clearer, more 3 dimensional, more dynamic, and just better overall.  Hey, it’s a free trial so why not?  I will say that the Qobuz search function is not very good, but I’ll take that relatively minor hit for the better sound quality any day.

I've heard a few streamers and in general think they sound very compressed and 2D.  The depth and air of vinyl is completely absent I feel.

Sorry, but this seems a bit silly to me.  How much do you have invested in your vinyl equipment?  And you think investing 500 bucks on a cheap streamer is going to compare to a vinyl rig?  Get real dude.  Pony up for a good streamer or you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.