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Streaming for beginner

I have a PS Audio front end-- DMP disc player and DirectSteam DAC. Very happy with the resolution and performance, especially from my redbook cd collection. For those familiar with the DSD, it is upgradable via a network bridge card to become a dedicated streamer. When I bought this DAC, I was looking ahead to an eventual migration to streaming.
I also have a Spotify account, that currently only serves me as a companion to my iPhone during walks and exercise.

My question: assume my goal is to stream for convenience, simplicity, and achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s. I am not looking to purchase music or download it for storage. What am I missing? I also have a dedicated iPad that can serve as the interface to the DAC/Streamer. Spotify also claims that streaming in high resolution is available on my account. Do I need anything else? Am I oversimplifying this?

I am a beginner when it comes to streaming, so please answer in simple terms since I will not be familiar with a lot of the services and components mentioned elsewhere in these forums. In fact, confusing enough for me that it is forcing me to ask here.


mbiondo
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,002 posts
 
When I purchased my BlueSound Node 2i I purchased a ProJect S2 DAC to connect to the BlueSound.  When I added the external DAC the bass sounded thinner.  I wonder why that was the case?  Of course the ProJect DAC is an inexpensive DAC and perhaps that is why the BlueSound sounded better without adding an external DAC.  I also for some reason sensed better sound quality when I played MQA songs on Tidal.  Wonder why that is the case or is this just my imagination?  Seems to me like so many things are smoke and mirrors.
tcatch
34 posts
 
Many posters here seem to be ignoring the fact that the OP has purchased a DAC and disc player that each cost several thousand dollars (used) and that he wants sound quality as good as CD’s played through his current equipment.  I think this requires more than an entry level streamer.  I have no personal experience with the PS Audio Bridge that can plug right in to the Directstream DAC, but I’ve spent enough time on the PS Audio forum to learn that many users think it is a step down in sound quality from what they get playing CD’s with an excellent transport into that DAC.  I think the OP would be happier with something like an Innuos Zen or a Lumin U1 mini or an Auralic Aries G1, if not one of the more expensive offerings from such manufacturers.  
dobnbav
57 posts
 
GRM,

Curious as to why you are using a CAT 7 cable? Do you have a GB Ethernet Network switch in your home? Besides having a restrictive bend radius which may or may not apply, CAT 7 cabling will not enhance your datastream speed. No harm, but no benefit either. But if you had a GB network and with a substantial amount of video traffic at once, then you could see some benefit if there's a lot of traffic on your network, Also, is your cable run long? Are you an IT pro? Just curious, not meant as criticism, DOB
gyeltsen
15 posts
 

I'm in a similar situation. I have a Hegel H360 integrated amp with built-in DAC but have never set it up for streaming. Also a newbie. If anyone can help me I'd really appreciate the advice. Thanks and good luck!

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,106 posts
 
@gyeltsen,

You’re in good shape with Hegel H360. It’s got all the digital inputs you need to get your feet wet in streaming. What is your budget for a streamer? 
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