2. digital
  3. 175408-120426

Wanting to upgrade my streaming sound quality.

I would really like to get my streaming sq up to my analog sq. My equipment is a McIntosh MC 452, C47, TD 124 with an AT 150 SA on a SME M2-9 tone arm, a Rega P8 with an Alpheta 3, a restored MR 74 tuner, driving Aerial 7t speakers. My streaming now is an iPad with a usb cable into my preamp with Tidal. I would be willing to spend around $2500 . A one box solution would be preferable for a steamer/dac combo although two boxes could also work. I’m not interested in multiple clocks and separate power supplies etc. Also I don’t use CD’s for a source.  I do have AT&T fiber internet with up to 1000 mb speed and my modem is only around 5 feet from my audio rack. Balanced inputs is preferable but not a deal breaker. I’ve looked at the HiFi Rose 250 and the 150 although the latter is more money than I want to spend. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m an Analog guy in a digital world.

Greg

128x128gphill

Showing 3 responses by nosualc

nosualc
99 posts
 

A Lumin D2 will get you what you want, within your budget with a little left over for a legitimate CAT6 cable. 1 box, balanced out. Tidal, Qobuz, Roon support. A T2 if you want to reach a little further.

nosualc
99 posts
 

I’ve had a Lumin T2 for two years, and have zero complaints. I’m contemplating upgrading to the X1. The Lumin app is solid, if a bit basic.

The T2 does support Tidal Connect, which lets you use Tidal’s iOS app directly, which is a much better user experience. The streaming services want you to use their app. Any third party app can only use subset of APIs the streaming service chooses to make public. Third party apps will always have inferior functionality.

I’ve read that Quboz is also working on a Quboz Connect tech. I’m sure when that’s available, Lumin will quickly add support for it (Lumin’s support is phenomenal), and I’ll ditch Tidal entirely.

I would personally disqualify any product that didn’t support Tidal Connect (or Q-Connect if/when it comes).

I haven’t had any experience with the hifi rose, but I suggest you listen to both and let your ears decide.

nosualc
99 posts
 

The Rose products look to be what are essentially Android devices. Like an Android Phone/Tablet. It uses Android OS with its own touch screen, coupled with streaming software built atop its network stack and an onboard DAC. Presumably running stock Android apps from the streaming services (which is a huge plus, IMO). It's an interesting approach.

If you're already an Android ecosystem user (eg - phone), I think you'd find the user experience of the Rose products very familiar. 

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