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Trying to make sense of the new and improved world of streaming music

I did my due diligence and read and searched in the forums, but I am still trying to make sense of streaming music and making happen in my system. So I will try and stay on topic of my post. Not sure if this should be separate posts or all in one. For now I will make it all one post. I am not new to the concept of streaming music - but I am new to how to get it to work with my av gear -

Problem:

I would like to get this setup on a beer budget if possible btw... so no dedicated $2k streamers etc...

Need to stream content to Marantz AV7704. I want to stream my current library ( stored on an hd on my PC to my 7704 ) AND music from streaming services - to same system. Have read that HEOS is not the best way to do this?

My current hdw setup:

-Marantz AV7704 w/ ext amp ( obviously ) w/ HEOS app - which I am currently using to stream music controlled by mobile phone app

-PC is located 40 ft from AV system - connected to network - has entire music library on it - but I can put library on ext drive or move it to laptop if needed -

- Laptop - win10 - not currently used to control content sent to AV7704

-mobile phone - Samsung Note 10+ - HEOS app controls content

-Roku 4k device near Marantz AV7704 - using apps to stream music

----

Questions:


Will the Tidal phone app allow you to playback in hi-res? I ask - because the Amazon app apparently does not support hi-res playback at this time...

What is the ’best’ setup for controlling and accessing the new world of streaming? Roon? etc?

What is the most efficient and best sounding way to stream music to take advantage of the higher quality streaming that services like AmazonHD, Tidal, Qobuz offers?

Will the choice of device ( laptop, pc, Roku, mobile phone, dedicated streamer ) affect the sound quality of the streaming services - if all were to be connect to same DAC of choice?

What adapters, cables, dacs is recommended to get up and running - that will not break the bank?

What are the cable of choice for most?? Is it USB? HDMI? SPDIF? or just a CAT 6 Network cable?

Will using mobile phone or laptop connected to av7704 via hdmi or usb.... ’sound’ better than using the HEOS app on mobile phone casting?

Does the ’quality’ of the CAT6 cables that connects my 7704 to my switch matter?

I DO see my music library in the HEOS app on my 7704 - but how would I ’improve’ the sound quality of the library - being so far away from the 7704? Will a dedicated sound card matter?

----

What is the best way to manage/control/access the streaming services? Just the basic services and their apps? Or is it better to use Roon? Plex? Audiovana? Node2? Will it improve sound quality at all? Etc?


Thank you very much in advance.

- BW




lightfighter2018
lightfighter2018 OP
86 posts
 
@ianrmack 

No need to be a dbag man. I didn't mention a budget because it's irrelevant at this point. 

And I have done hours, weeks, months of research including this forum. But I wanted specific examples of what others general experience was as it related my questions. My questions are no less relevant than anyone else in this forum. No I can't afford $30k cables....but I'm still allowed to ask and learn. And over the last 35+ years involved in audio I have learned from many that didn't act like a dbag when legit questions were presented. 

I had specific questions that were not necessarily addressed in any given previous post. 

Get off your high horse for a moment because you are making assumptions that are grossly incorrect. 

In no way am I butt hurt but a little professional courtesy should be extended. I'm not some audio newbie fresh off the boat. 






ianrmack
227 posts
 
Feel better?
dude, you got 10 responses in 3 months to your 10 paragraph missive. ‘Nuff said.

drop the ego attachments and apprach this differently if you want help.
lightfighter2018 OP
86 posts
 
@ianrmack 

It wasn't about feeling better. You presented an opinion as a fact. I was clarifying my pov. Calm down. All I am asking for is a bit of professional courtesy. If you are incapable, then move on as I have.

I have no ego attached to this, so I am not sure how could ever interpret data and questions as 'ego'. But, okay. Sure, I wanted some guidance. Clearly no one was interested in the topic at hand. I have moved on.  I am not sure how my approach was any different then any other members. Data and background was provided. Questions presented. And I asked for direction, clarity, and others' experiences... isn't that the purpose of a forum? I am not sure how it could have been done any different. But chime in if you feel you have a better approach methodologies in your tool box.  Have a nice day.

ianrmack
227 posts
 
I'm calm, mate...no issue.
youre still not getting it nor do you see the correlation between your verbose question and its lack of interest in members' response.

the ego is that you cant see it...;-)

I also answered your question: GET A BLUESOUND NODE 2i!!!!!!

Play with it, it has resale value. But it for $410 on eBay, use it for a month, then go from there.

If you like it, the  cool, welcome to the new rodeo.
If you dont, then sell it for $375 in under 48 hrs.

do the math on what your cost basis is.

Then most of your questions will be more relevant...to you.

seriously, not many are going to unpack all ypur questions and serve them up back to you.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
@OP, 
Like I said, just ignore him. No matter what you say, it won't make a difference. 
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