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Streaming + DAC questions. Please help this noob!

Hi Guys,

After a couple of decades avoiding the desire to become an audiophile . . . here I am. I've jumped head first and purchased the following:

Bryston BP 20 preamp
Bryston 4B SST amp
B&W 801 Matrix II

I'm actively avoiding becoming a vinyl collector (too many hobbies, not enough physical space, etc etc), so most of my music will be from Spotify. I know they aren't the greatest quality . . . but for the sake of ease and variety and modernity, that's what I'm using. My 'hub' would be an imac sitting 10 feet away from the hifi system. I'd like to control from that computer since that's where I'm sitting most of the day. 

At first, I had hoped to be able to connect via bluetooth adapter directly into preamp and that sounded horrible. (Lesson #1). I then tried with an Audioquest Beetle and that sounded pretty good. I also tried an ipad direct into the preamp and that's OK, too (not as good as with Beetle). But it's clear to me I probably need a dedicated DAC (Lesson #2). So my questions:

1. Whats the best way to use Spotify connect via my Imac? Should I dedicate the ipad to sit on top of the hifi? I also have an old macbook pro that could sit on the hifi and be the connected hardware. The beetle worked fine, but I don't want my computer sounds to come out of my hifi system, only Spotify. 

2. My head is spinning with DAC info. It seems like I can't go wrong with a $99 Schiit, but I'd rather just buy right the first time. Happy to spend up to 1k (used is definitely ok with me) on a DAC that I can just forget about. Did I mess up by not getting an integrated preamp/dac? 

I come to you guys with humility and ready for Lessons 3 thru infinity.
128x128quesofrito

Showing 3 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
Some good advice, so far.
I, too, was overwhelmed with Streaming music, but a little research yields great results.
First, I really like the Spotify app, but unfortunately, they don't offer higher resolution formats like Quobuz, Tidal, et al. So, moving to another streaming service will allow you to get the fullest experience of high fidelity.
Second, get a dedicated streamer. The Bluesound Node is very good, the Aurender is better.
Third, get a good DAC. Schiit makes very good equipment, but I suggest going beyond the $99 model and go to the Gungnir or Yggy. (Trust me, I started with the Bifrost and ended up moving upwards- Yes, the higher priced models offer greater resolution. The lower models are probably as good as the onboard DAC in the Node).
Though it might be a bit out of our budget, a used Ayre Codex is about $1300. I find it to be a super performer.

Bob
gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
@OP, 
Good move with the Codex.
It performs way past its pricepoint, and knowing Ayre, will be upgradable if they see fit.
As far as Spotify vs. Tidal.
Spotify has a larger catalog, but unfortunately doesn't offer higher resolutions that Tidal does.
Tidal, in my opinion, has a great catalog for contemporary music (think Hip Hop or anything current)
That is why I switched to Quobuz.
bob
gdnrbob
4,419 posts
 
@OP,
Start listening and get a feel for the onboard DAC. When the Codex comes in, I promise you will hear a significant difference.
Though,keep in mind that you should let things run-in for a few days to allow them to settle in. You'd be surprised at how much things open up.
 
Regarding power cords to the Node- I tried an AQ cord to my Node and didn't find it made much of a difference- though I am using the Codex as my DAC.
 My dealer had me buy an AQ Thunder power cord for my Codex. He believes the best cords go to the source.
Those damn things are pretty stiff and I needed some right angle adapters to get them to connect, but I have to say they did make a difference.
Alas, a bit pricey, but, it is a tweak you can do later on-especially when AQ comes out with a new model and everyone sells their old cables.
Bob
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