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 2 responses by tk21

tk21
237 posts
 

I agree with @rbstehno about MQA. If you invest in a new streaming DAC, try to find one that does MQA decoding and rendering  (esp. if you plan to use Tidal).  FWIW,  a couple of Matrix Audio products perform much better on ASR measurements than the PS Audio DS Senior, for a much lower retail price. But, notwithstanding what ASR measurements do or don't capture, many people seem to love the PS Audio Direct Stream Jr/Sr.  And PS Audio products are made in USA, evidently with excellent user support. 

A nice feature of both the PS Audio and the Matrix products is that they support both USB and Roon-ready network connections.  I prefer a network connection for reliability and ease of use.  I don't find that either one necessarily sounds better or worse than the other, but sometimes I've had trouble maintaining the USB handshake when changing sources/settings or powering on/off.  On the other hand, for some DSP software (like HQ Player or BACCH4Mac), you may need a USB connection.  With the right recordings, BACCH4Mac (even the $1K intro edition) can create impressive spatial audio effects.  Nevertheless, I find myself often returning to an ethernet connection.

My system: sonicTransporter i9 (runs Roon Core); Mac Mini (intel CPU) to manage downloaded music library and to run DSP software (HQ Player, BACCH4Mac); Matrix Audio Element X (preamp/DAC/streamer);  Benchmark AHB2 (power amp); JansZen Valentina P8 hybrid electrostatic loudspeakers.

 

 

tk21
237 posts
 

I appreciate all the recommendations and thoughts, however I think I’m going to stay with a one box solution and I’m leaning toward the hifi rose 150b.

Very interesting feature set. Looks like a worthy competitor to the new Lumin P1, for about half the price.  

IMO, a single integrated box can be a good way to go. It shortens signal paths, reduces box count and cable clutter, and improves system integration for efficient remote control. For an all-digital system, an integrated DAC/streamer/preamp is a modern  alternative to an integrated amp  (IF the volume control is good).  It pushes the advantages of integration upstream, allowing for more flexibility in selecting your power amp(s).

A touch screen could be a nice feature if the device is within easy arm's reach.  Otherwise IMO it's a gimmick;  I'd focus on the screen's information display quality (including readability from a distance).

 

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