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Streaming Spotify

Currently I have a basic system consisting of pre-amp, ss-amp, Dynalab tuner. cd player and (2)speakers . Currently, I subscribe to a music streaming service mostly for running and workouts. Basic question: If I stream into the home system via my cell phone, am I missing out on better audio by not having a DAC connected to the cell? Would I bypass the pre-amp?  Does the pre-amp have a DAC circuit built in?

Thanks

jmedici

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,989 posts
 

Generally audiophiles prefer Qobuz first and then Tidal. I had Tidal for a year or so, my audio guy persistently pestered me to switch to Qobuz… I did, he was right.

ghdprentice
7,989 posts
 

Streamer —> DAC —> preamp —> amp —> speakers.

 

or

 

Streamer/DAC —> preamp —> amp —> speakers

 

While theoretically one could output DAC to amp. Well, let’s just say except for a very few people with incredible dedication and desire to do it. Keeping a preamp in the middle will result in the very best sound.

ghdprentice
7,989 posts
 

Hmm. Today streaming can sound better than red book CDs and certainly FM tuners. The advantage is a nearly infinite music library and  low cost ($14.99 / month). The best streaming service for high quality sound right now is Qobuz, and secondarily Tidal. To do this a high quality streamer (think Aurender) and DAC is required. This can be a single box with both DAC and Streamer (think Aurender) or a separate Streamer and DAC . One can use a PC or iPad as a streamer, but that is not as high quality as a separate (no, a PC are not as good).
 

So streaming can be as good as other digital sources or even analog, but it requires carefully choosing and investing in a streamer and a DAC, and with carefull research, you get what you pay for. So if your preamp cost $2k and your amp cost $2K you should think of investing $2K in a streamer and $2K in a DAC and your jaw will drop, you will have access to basically all music and you will be amazed. 

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