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Yet another question about streaming

Hi all,

I'm looking for a streaming media setup and there are 2 things I'm currently stuck trying to understand.  I'm hoping for opinions and advice. First thing: I've been looking at players like the new BlueSound Node and a couple of the Cambridge Audio pieces, the Azur 851 N and the CXN V2.  If I am planning to eventually buy a streaming DAC like the Chord Qutest or the Schitt Yggdrasil, how much does it matter which of the streamers I buy? Is there enough difference in the digital output of any of these players to change the sound coming out of the DAC? Second thing that confuses me: if I use one of these streamers to listen to a service like Spotify, what is coming out of the digital out?  Can I send that to my existing EAD DAC or will it come out in a format (like Mp3) that the DAC doesn't recognize? 

Thanks much for any thoughts or ideas.
Howard
howardlander

Showing 4 responses by fuzztone

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,638 posts
 
1. Go for the cheapest. The BluSound is the best "first" streamer. WTF is a streaming DAC?
2.I’ll bet you can’t hear a difference. I’ve never even heard a Cambridge.
3. Digital is the output through the digital outputs. When it is input to a DAC you get analog out.
Amazing.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,638 posts
 
Actually I don’t think that the OP is serious about the only true streaming DAC that I know of, the  dCS Bartiok for $16,000 plus a road trip.   
https://www.paragonsns.com/products/dcs-bartok-streaming-dac

For that you get to save on some cables and maybe a power supply.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,638 posts
 
Maybe I answered it poorly. There are NO protocols. Probably the reason there is nothing out there about ’em.

The only thing to consider are the DAC inputs. They just should match the player output. OR get a converter. You just can’t go TO USB. From it, no problemo.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,638 posts
 
Maybe I’m out on a ledge but to me a streamer (network player) with a built in DAC is NOT a DAC with a bulit in network bridge (streaming DAC.)
I ignored the PS Audio DirectStream because the bridge has no USB-A input. It is NOT a full featured player.
Start with the BluNode. You are going to upgrade anyway and it has a better player app by common consensus.
Qobuz is best now but watch for Spotify. They have a bigger library, Connect and better radio than Pandora. Start with a free trialto Qobuz.
I put my CD tracks (ripped on a PC) on SSDs and plug 'em in but do whatever feels most comfortable.
Good luck to you.
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