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To Stream or not to Stream

[A collective sign resonates from forum members upon seeing "Stream" in the title]  ...Before you run away, I read a number of threads dealing with streaming, so this is to ask about what I didn't learn.

I am trying to select a streaming option into my McIntosh DA2 DAC. I would like to stay south of $4k and get the best bang for my buck. It would be best if I could sit in the comfort of my chair with my MacBook, iPhone or iPad and control my music. I do not need a fancy screen on the component. They are nice, but I only care about the sound.

To make a decision / purchase I hope to get answers to the following:

  1. I have a CD collection, but none are HD. Why do people rip CDs when all of those CDs can be streamed from music services? I have Tidal and want to drop it for Qobuz. Learning more about the burning CD topic will help narrow down if should go with a ripper / streamer combo. 
  2. I can't find much on my DA2 DAC but assume it's top notch being from McIntosh? Consensus? How do I know if I should use it versus another streamer option with its own DAC?
  3. It appears that a USB connection is needed for DSD512 (basically the most demanding formats)? I can't find much on this but many of the recommended streamers on this site do not always have USB-out, which is confusing at some of the high price points!?
  4. Is DSD only achieved from ripping CDs?
  5. What are people doing to stream DSD512 or other formats of this quality? 
  6. I haven't seen anyone recommend the Roon Nucleus? If I'm not going to rip CDs, is it one to add to my consideration list?

This would be easy if I had money... Aurender ACS10 if I want to rip or N20, up. Others as well at these price points.

I see used N100s here... maybe that's my answer unless I want to rip. The Innuos is intriguing, but you have to buy a separate power supply... I just want to get this right the first time and be happy. I'm already gun-shy of making another purchase mistake like the new Bluesound Node 2i I need to sell... It's only a mistake because it does not do USB-out (as of this post) or support the formats I wish to stream to my DA2. Not a fan of its software either. 

Thank you!


izjjzi

Showing 1 response by ianrodger

ianrodger
164 posts
 
@izjjzi, I can only speak for myself and my gear of course.
Check out the Antipodes server/streamers from New Zealand.
They range from under $NZ5K to 5 times that. Factor in your exchange rate and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I have a D2 which is about 5 or 6 years old now. It has a CD transport built in.

I reckon it sounds fantastic and their after sale service is second to none.
They have a DAC built in, which sounds very good but encourage a separate DAC via USB and
I use a Denafrips Pontus. They invested more time and effort into the USB section as this was, at the time maybe, the go to output for the majority of users. They do also have SPDIF outputs.
Bear in mind that I am talking about an older unit. Their focus may well have shifted since 2015.

They also say that a FLAC ripped CD from the HDD will sound better than the same album when streamed from Tidal etc. It might only be by degrees but I would agree with their claim.

I have some DSD tracks in my library and the Antipodes and Pontus both handle them perfectly.

Naturally, if you just want to stream and play your CDs on a CDP, there will be an extra box on your rack.
So, a one-box solution as a server (for your ripped CDs)/ streamer makes sense to me.
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