2. digital
  3. 160137-108624

Streaming for beginner

I have a PS Audio front end-- DMP disc player and DirectSteam DAC. Very happy with the resolution and performance, especially from my redbook cd collection. For those familiar with the DSD, it is upgradable via a network bridge card to become a dedicated streamer. When I bought this DAC, I was looking ahead to an eventual migration to streaming.
I also have a Spotify account, that currently only serves me as a companion to my iPhone during walks and exercise.

My question: assume my goal is to stream for convenience, simplicity, and achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s. I am not looking to purchase music or download it for storage. What am I missing? I also have a dedicated iPad that can serve as the interface to the DAC/Streamer. Spotify also claims that streaming in high resolution is available on my account. Do I need anything else? Am I oversimplifying this?

I am a beginner when it comes to streaming, so please answer in simple terms since I will not be familiar with a lot of the services and components mentioned elsewhere in these forums. In fact, confusing enough for me that it is forcing me to ask here.


mbiondo

Showing 2 responses by bobby1945

bobby1945
79 posts
 
I have an account with both TIDAL and QOBUZ via ROON.
I honestly cannot resolve a difference between either of them.
Unfortunately I have no access to CD or Vinyl so unable to conduct comparisons.
bobby1945
79 posts
 
Don't believe all this nonsense about how easy this streaming is .
Dropping a pick up onto a record was easy - digital streaming requires a significant amount of effort to get an equivalent SQ.
OK so you jump in with either TIDAL or QOBUZ
Now you really should consider ROON- Infinite number of options in the DSP settings which will keep you busy for months
I choose to have  a dedicated laptop -lots of RAM and windows 10 cut back to bare bones configuration + dedicated LPS
Lets look at our router  , need to hard wire to laptop with Cat8 ethernet cable as a minimum + dedicated LPS
Now special  USB cable to ensure integrity of digital signal is not corrupted before converted to analogue in the DAC -of course make sure DAC is MQA compliant if opting for TIDAL and of course own dedicated LPS
At last we have an analogue signal to be amplified  via a power conditioner like a AQ Niagra 1200 and AQ power and interconnects.
Get those cables off the floor and room correct with DIRAC
Phew now lets listen to some music.





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