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
jssmith
295 posts
 
Blind tests show that almost no one can hear the difference between 320 kbps and CD. There are several tests on the Web to try it blind yourself.  However, as has been stated there are high-def options. I use Amazon Music HD through Alexa, making my system completely voice-controlled. I can turn on the whole system with one command using an Amazon Smart Plug, and play any song or album with one additional command. I also stream wirelessly from my laptop using MusicBee. Both go through a Play-Fi device (Paradigm PW Link) using DTS Play-Fi, which is rated 24-bit/192kHz. Although it is a preamp, the PW Link does have a digital out, so I suppose that can go to your own DAC, but I know some people have concerns about pre-processing. I couldn't tell you if the PW Link acts as a pure digital pass-through. There are other Play-Fi devices, and companies like McIntosh, Martin Logan, Anthem, Klipsch, Onkyo, Polk, DT, Quad and many others have built-in Play-Fi in some of their devices, so it's not a niche technology.

If you should go this route, to remove a point of failure name your Play-Fi device one of Play-Fi's predefined names.
jerry_
14 posts
 
I use Tidal and a Sonos Connect. I'm guessing many will feel that that isn't "high end", but I'm very happy with the results. Tidal offers a military discount for their subscriptions, so it becomes even more manageable. I've had it running for a few years now, and couldn't be happier.

waterzlife
139 posts
 
What is a "network card " people are referring to??    I just use my Mac mini into my Bel Canto dac/preamp into my amp......listen to Tidal that way...What is a "network card " people are referring to?
tubes444
91 posts
 
Hello!!

Spotify premium comes with ROON now>DSD/MQA at CD quality
since July.. via sever/Dac stream.etc.   $9.99. for longtime sub.
Tubes444
vtvmtodvm
66 posts
 
cleeds—Re. "Hi-Rez Audio Distinguished in Blind Testing": Any findings derived from an experiment involving 7 testers (average age 22) in a anechoic test chamber listening to test signals (not music) just doesn't convey much of material significance, at least not to me.

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. This conclusion does not exclude unique or unusual tests wherein some difference between redbook and higher rez might be perceived (e.g., 22 kids listening to test signals in a anechoic chamber), nor do those exceptions affect the validity of this general conclusion.
More to discover