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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!


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flevick
12 posts
 
I think you’re way overthinking this. You don’t need to be spending a fortune. Just take itsjustme’s advice. He knows what he’s talking about. 
sns
3,205 posts
 
Yep, streaming can be complex undertaking, so many routes available, constant change and innovation. Unique solutions are far more rule than exception. The only advice I can give is every link in chain matters in optimizing streaming sound quality. I started streaming many years ago, this has been fun and interesting journey.
messy_chef's avatar
messy_chef
2 posts
 
I first started ripping because I liked iTunes and the convenience of moving my music to an iPod or iPhone. I ended up ripping my collection 3 times (ending with ALAC) and then my next move was to buy a NAS to hold all of my music. I moved into a house with Sonos installed everywhere. Then when Qobuz became available, I got that after I’d started using Roon.

I rarely ever listen to spinning CDs. For me the convenience of listening from one integrated database across midfi (Sonos, Apple TV,  Chromecast), or my hifi system, is worth it. Like others, I have CDs that aren’t on Qobuz. FWIW I am currently using a PS Audio DAC with a streaming board connected to my home’s Ethernet for my hifi system . Looking at options is dizzying, but I’d recommend trying to listen to 2-3 options then letting that go and just enjoy the music.
sns
3,205 posts
 
https://dsd-guide.com/what-happens-when-your-streaming-service-dies#.YQVllUApA2wstreaming
snbeall
63 posts
 
Easy. Bluesound Node (2021) from Crutchfield on 60 day home trial plus Tidal. Use digital out with first MQA unfold done to your DAC (unless it is MQA compliant - I don’t keep up with Macintosh). It will show you the quality and more importantly VARIETY of streamed content. You may just stop there and save yourself a lot of angst (and $). If not, or if you want to try something else, no foul. Send it back to Crutchfield.

I’m enjoying mine right now feeding my Meridian DSP speakers directly, controlling from my IPad while feeding it Apple Lossless HIRez alternately with Tidal MQA. New recordings sound infinitely better than older stuff on CDs thru a very excellent Meridian CD transport.
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