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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 9 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
@gcsakakini,

Thank you for sharing your experience with DMC-1. The audio circuit is indeed very interesting with dual differential outputs. It’s certainly not common for a product in this category. If I may ask, how is your DMC-1 connected with rest of your system? Are you using both outputs? How do you like the app interface? 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
" If I knew it was this easy I would have done this earlier."

It's certainly easier than setting up a decent turntable setup :-)
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
If you're looking to achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s then you must subscribe with Tidal or Qobuz.  As others have suggested, hardwired ethernet connection to your DSD should yield better SQ. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
“ I wonder if Bluesound increased the price to $3,000 if more audiophiles would buy more of them.”

No one in right mind would pay $3K for Node 2i. It is a budget streamer with a mediocre sounding DAC. Overall a nice package with decent app interface.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
“Don’t waste money! There's not a ton of magic in digital data transmission.”

@ghjuvanni has a point. No need to even spend $1600, there is Bluesound Node 2i for $550 that will satisfy most users :-) 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
“Dropping a pick up onto a record was easy”

@bobby1945,

You probably own one of these turntables 😂

https://www.amazon.com/Victrola-Bluetooth-Suitcase-Turntable-Speakers/dp/B00UMVW4VA/ref=sr_1_3?dchil...
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
@gyeltsen,

You’re in good shape with Hegel H360. It’s got all the digital inputs you need to get your feet wet in streaming. What is your budget for a streamer? 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
@adameos,

One way to enhance your experience is to isolate the noise from your MacBook USB port. I am not sure if you’re using anything at the moment but you may try this device and see if you hear any audible improvements. 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLMZP5Y/ref=twister_B07FM9J683?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 
“Today, it seems apparent that redbook resolution serves as an effective and sufficient means to preserve and recreate recorded music, and that higher rez alternatives convey no appreciable audible advantage.”

vtvmtodvm,

I beg to differ but respect your opinion on ‘no appreciable audible advantage’. In my system, I can hear and appreciate the nuances between 16bit/44.1kHz and 24bit/192kHz recordings. DSD is whole another level and well beyond the scope of our discussion in this thread.
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