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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.

128x128twodogs112
vladtheimpala
99 posts
 

I concur with Bluesound. Nothing in the industry comes close to the value and the interface is the best in the business.

larryro2
137 posts
 

Cambridge CXNV2 is excellent 

have one 3 yrs easy to use and great sound

v easy to hit firmware updates 

philgo01
68 posts
 

Bluesound is supposed to be very well regarded at a fair price.  I am waiting for their update to the Vault 2i and I like to rip all my CDs too.  I use Amazon Music as my streaming service which means having streamers that work with Amazon Music natively (to get highest resolution playback possible) is challenging. Qobuz, Tidal etc are everywhere.  

I've seen streamers north of $18K price points and just scratch my head...  

sudnh
70 posts
 

My recommendation is as follows:

1) old Mac mini or MacBook Pro with optical out

2) project dac box s2+
3) ifi elite power supply

4) wire world (or other equal) optical cable

 

I much prefer optical because of low noise (vs usb) but it does limit you on high resolution files. 
 

this setup is cheaper than the qutest and has some better qualities. 
overall the qutest is better dac but this setup covers the streamer as well and will cost 2/3 of the price of the qutest. 
 

the ifi elite power supply is really nice takes the dac box s2+ to another level. 

Elite power supply gives some improvement to the qutest as well.

groovyjeep's avatar
groovyjeep
5 posts
 

Do you by chance use a Roku device for your television?  If so, you can stream music through the Roku using Spotify.  My Roku is 2016 variety with optical audio output to preamp.  Fairly simple setup, you control Spotify on the Roku using your Spotify ap on the iphone, long as it's connected to the same network.  Easy Google search to set this up.

After that "free" intro to streaming I moved up to a previously-loved ebay Bluesound Node.  Prefer my turntable with a good LP, but honestly I like the Bluesound about as good as my CD player (and the music choices are endless).  

I have old amps and speakers, be interesting to see if I can hear the difference from a Bluesound to the next step up.  

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