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Another streaming newbie

Guys, I have tried to search and figure this out, because I know this topic has been well-covered. But I am still wandering in the dark, so plz forgive my redundant questions....

First, here's my current rig,: I built a Lenco table 15 yrs ago with a JMW 10 arm/London Super Gold that I run into a phono pre that I built from a pretty high end kit  (can't see the name, have no idea what it is now!) thru a VTL tube IT-85 integrated amp and then thru some SF Electa Amator II, supported by a sub I built.  So pretty mid-fi setup, but it really works for me.  Sounds great, to my ears.  

The Covid thing has me home (no golf in Los Angeles!), listening to music more. Would love to stream something that approaches the vinyl sound quality with a music service, but being retired, budget is more a concern now... I just subscribed to TIDAL with its premium level (MQA) that I was running straight from my iphone 6 to the VTL. Meh.  Then my daughter ran same stuff through her iphone 11 and, hey, that sounded better.  So, clearly, I am in need of a streaming DAC.  

I know MQA gets mixed reviews. I have no way really to test this or to go listen to stuff. Everything is shut down here. So here's the criteria that matters most to me:
  • A great UI app because now streaming is like going to the Smithsonian.  There's a lot to organize. 
  • Great sound. (whatever that means!) 
  • One box.  Cables get expensive & messy.  
  • I'd like to keep it under $2K. I'd really like to keep it under $1K, but that may be wishful thinking.  I mean, is Bluesound Node 2 up to it? I am sure it would beat my daughters iphone 11, but ... what are reasonable streamers/DACS?  Where's the killer solution that isn't $10K?  I know it's out there....
I am not so far into TIDAL that I can't change. My system is in the same room as my router, so I can run an ethernet cable to the DAC.  As I have looked at all of this, it has occurred to me to get an older, much higher quality used DAC that I can somehow mesh with TIDAL (or another service with high quality streaming) and forget the MQA.  But this has to somehow hook into my internet directly and be able to be run by a remote UI.  So now my head is spinning.

Thanks for your input.  Chuck
chuckccs
ymlee
9 posts
 
Renderer:
Lumin U1 mini
Bluesound Node 2I

Full decoder:
Teac Nt-505 (USD 1700)
Topping D90 MQA version (USD 800)
richtruss
163 posts
 
My best value streaming setup, and I’ve done streaming since the first Squeezebox came out, is the Allo USBridge Signature, running Moode OS, using BubbleUPNP on a cheap Lenovo tablet to control it, then into an Audio-gd R1 ladder DAC via a Shunyata Venom USB.
that will cost around £1350 and will perform beautifully, very transparent and analogue sounding.
michaela
314 posts
 
Hi.  I am in no way trying to steer this thread in another direction but am new to streaming also and on a tighter budget right now. I have an modwright oppo 105d which I will booking up into my newly downsized system. I understand there is an app from oppo that I can use to control it for my iPhone. My question is can I use the oppo as the streamer? It already has a built in Dac so that part would be covered and I believe I can hook it up wirelessly to my internet. I’m pretty sure I can at least get Pandora that way but does anyone know if I can get tidal and use it through the Oppo and is my Oppo a streamer also? Thanks for the help I really am computer illiterate. Mike
djones51
4,947 posts
 


How does a computer with Roon from another room work with a DAC? It sends control info via wifi to router then this sends via ethernet cable (or maybe thru wifi, depending DAC) to DAC? What is the noise issue?

Here’s how I do it. I assembled a fanless Intel NUC i5 and I stalled Roons proprietary OS called ROCK they offer this for free but it only runs on certain NUC’s. It will save a lot of money over buying Nucleus mine cost about $700. If you have a DAC that takes USB you can attach the NUC to the DAC to your preamp. There is no problem with noise on USB from a NUC at least none I can hear. USB noise is another audiophile neurosis any modern DAC will filter it. Since you said your router is in the same room that’s the route I would take.
Router ethernet >NUC>DAC>Preamp. This is all controlled with an app on a tablet or phone I would use a tablet larger screen helps. The NUC runs the Roon core and also functions as a streamer. If you want the NUC in another room you can use something for an endpoint like a Node2i or even raspberry pi connected to DAC.
I have tried both ways and can’t tell a difference, at the moment I use a raspberry pi4 endpoint, NUC in my office they are both on the same network and I have a drive connected to the NUC with my ripped CDs on it. Roon shows them all in a library structure.
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
517 posts
 
I didn't know squat a few months ago and didn't even know how to ask the questions.  So I ended up buying a Node 2I refurbished for 420 and a Topping D90 for 630. Both the topping and the bluesound app have volume control so I plug the DAC directly into my amp. I already owned the 2i first and adding the Topping made every aspect of the playback better.  I use a COAX to connect the node to the DAC.  I ran a CAT6 cable from my router to the Node 2i.  Currently, I have no desire to change. 

I have Amazon HD.  The interface with Bluesound app can be frustrating since lots of the functionality of the Amazon interface is lost but the fidelity is the same.  I see some songs playing at 24/192. 

There are quite a few DAC for around 1000 or less new.  There is some debate about whether a higher end streamer is worth the money.  The new one box solutions have come along way.  The price can take quite a jump as with anything audio.  That last few percent...
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