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Streaming for Dummies

I just upgraded my 2 channel system with some decent components, and now feel the need to start streaming my music. My problem is that I am a complete luddite when it comes to the subject so I need help. My reservations begin with my internet service which really sucks. I live in a rural area and the “best” service provider offers DSL which we have but it’s very slow, compared to our previous provider Spectrum. Our town is on the list to have fiber optical internet in the near future. Should I wait for the fiber? My wife and son stream their tv programming and that can get spotty at times when bandwidth is taxed. I’m afraid my streaming of music will really create havoc in the household. Is Starlink on a separate network a viable option for music streaming? So, am I completely off base here or are my concerns valid?
Thanks in advance!

My equipment includes a Rogue Cronus Dark, Heresy lV’s, Oppo Blueray player.


 

 

128x128julietkimofoxtrot1956
ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

Well, probably a valid concern. But music streaming doesn’t use nearly as much bandwidth of video streaming. The better the streamer, the less susceptible to drop outs.

I am not in the habit of waiting. Good time to start and gain experience. If fiber isn’t far away, then all the better. My streamers work when my iPad will not refresh.

If your system is not close to your router so you can run an Ethernet cable, then you can use a wall wart wifi extender and plug into that. WiFi receivers inside streamers are notoriously unreliable, even good ones.

reubent
6,982 posts
 

It’s so inexpensive to try streaming today, even if you are not confident your network will be able to support it. The WIIM Mini costs only $89 on Amazon and the WIIM Pro is only $149. You might even find either, second hand, for even less. The WIIM Mini is not "state of the art" for sound quality, but it is SUPER easy to set up and use. The WIIM Pro supposedly has much better sound quality using it’s internal DAC vs. the Mini. Same set up, operation, etc. Also, since it’s Amazon, try it and if it doesn’t work for you, send it back.

Oh, and I've never had a dropout in the 2 years I've owned a WIIM Mini. Not once. 

julietkimofoxtrot1956's avatar
julietkimofoxtrot1956 OP
8 posts
 

Fantastic information. I’m the type that doesn’t like to wait either, so I’m going to do some experimenting

ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

Do remember you get what you pay for. I have owned streamers from $200 to $22K and, in general, they incrementally sound better the more you invest. They are like every other piece of audio equipment. They need to be carefully chosen and of equivalent quality to the rest of your gear to get the most out of it. That is not to say one cannot play with an inexpensive streamer… but it’s not going to sound like a good one. I seem to always end up,with all components (streamer, DAC, phono stage, preamp… ) around the same investment level in the end.

classicrockfan
165 posts
 

"an inexpensive streamer… but it’s not going to sound like a good one. I seem to always end up,with all components (streamer, DAC, phono stage, preamp… ) around the same investment level in the end."

So true... those are key audio components and generally the more expensive the better (cables not included). But the OP can definitely "enjoy" his listening time with the Wiim. No doubt about it

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