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Best streamer for a returning audio guy

Hello, hope you all can help. My question is what is the most reasonable streamer to try in my system to see if it works for me? 
  A little background is in order . I’m an older gentleman, who was into audio years ago. I’m currently rebuilding my system with newer technology. I have significant older components. Such as Adcom separates, ( not currently using), Yamaha reciever rxa 2000 as a preamp, Rotel amp driving center speaker and rears, crown class d driving main speakers, I have many speaker choices. Currently using Kef 105/2 as mains ( have Martin Logan’s as well) , Martin logan cinema as center, Martin Logan’s a rear surround. All interconnects and speaker wires are morrow audio. 
 I am / was old school with over 1500 vinyl album’s from years of collecting. About 100 cds. One interesting note, this rebirth of my interest in audio came with my wife giving me a turntable for Christmas several years ago. Finally joked it up and after 30 years I was hooked again!!!

  On to my question, it appears that almost everyone is now streaming their music. Ok, I understand the concept ( have Sirius in the car) . What is the best unit to try this out. Can’t break the bank, used is ok, actually preferred. Any outlet advice would be appreciated. 
  I’m working to eventually get to the level of most of you. I have visited my local real hi fi store and have heard the”great” components and eventually I’ll get there. Thanks, and looking forward to your replies. Twodogs112.

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curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,221 posts
 

For a starter streamer, I give another vote for the new Bluesound Node. The software is very easy to use. I’ve had one for about 5 months now and am pretty happy with it.

All The Best.

JD

dougthebiker
190 posts
 

IMO, the Orchard Pecan Pi offers much better SQ than the Bluesound, plus it can be a Roon endpoint.  Less $ last time I looked.

flyfish77
40 posts
 

As others have said, the Bluesound Node makes a lot of sense because it sounds good and has a good user interface. Using a streamer/DAC into the analog inputs on your Yamaha AVR and running it in 2 channel mode should work just fine.  I run that type of setup in my secondary system and music sounds significantly better than any other sources that use the DAC in my Yamaha AVR.

 

 

twodogs112's avatar
twodogs112 OP
57 posts
 

Thanks, that’s a great suggestion on the ht dilemma. The wife likes movies, so have to keep her happy. I have plenty of speakers to satisfy the need for ht. No need to upgrade them at this time. My end goal is to have separate ht and a separate hi fi system for my music. I have tried receivers for ht and none are up to the task for me. Used a top of the line Sony es for years until hdmi forced me to replace. The yammie is just a stop gap for now. I really can’t see putting $4000 into a dennon, marantz, arcam, or likewise at this time. 
  I’ll just take my time and wait for the good stuff to come up. I would love to get mark levenson or threshold separates it some point. I used a lot of Macintosh in my college days and it’s not for me. No offense to the Mac lovers. One step at a time, and see if it works for me. Thanks to you all.

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cleeds
5,694 posts
 

twodogs112

Cleeds, I understand your reluctance of owning  a “pricey watch”. However you missed the point ...

No, I understood exactly what you meant.

twodogs112

I can afford whatever I wish to buy, if I so choose. A simple question for you, how many Rolex watches do you own? I have 3. In addition to a collection of fine timepieces you probably could only dream of.

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