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
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.

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?
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
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.
“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.