Using streaming as a main source ---DSD, FLAC, MQA Streamers and DACS


As I read these forums, and watch copious amounts of Youtube, I'm struck by what a bad idea some of the streaming / digital formats are doing. I'm trying to build a system where I have a streamer, dad, and amplifier (with pre-amp) as separate components but what I keep finding is that the streaming/digital world is totally confused.

--MQA--

MQA seems to be both advancing with new MQair support and dying (few audiophiles seem to like it).

-- DSD -- 

Seems to be favored by High-end audiophiles but not streaming services. 

-- FLAC --

FLAC seems to be pushed by Qobuz which seems to be the preferred service for high quality audio (but not for music recommendations). 

 

Choosing a Streamer / DAC is a nightmare -- given the industry going back and forth on quality, formats, special licensing. Does one choose the formats they want to use and then find appropriate DAC etc or does one choose a DAC that sounds great and then accept its limitations.

I don't understand why streamers don't commit to upscaling to 24/192 or DSD256 for any format so the DAC peeps can focus on a single format. 

So how does one decide where to start? 

 

 

 

 

kiwiscott

I wouldn’t get too caught up in the audio format debate.  If you are interested in trying or using MQA, buy a DAC and streamer that support MQA and Tidal.  Just about any setup that will handle MQA will handle FLAC and other audio formats including DSD.  Using MQA, however, will limit your choices with DACS and streaming services.  If you buy an MQA compatible system, you can try both MQA and FLAC files and determine what sounds best to you.  I use Qobuz because it sounds good, and it does not involve imposing licensing costs on gear manufacturers or producers of music.

I think that it more important to consider the streamer user interfaces, software, and how you will be playing music in your home.  Your hardware needs are very different if you just want a streamer, a server, and music file storage in one device than if you might want to stream music to different rooms in your house.  Some user interfaces on streamers might appeal to you more than others.  

As others have suggested in this thread, you should consider going to a store to check out streamers.  A decent stereo store should be able to show you Roon and at least one proprietary system like Auralic or Aurender.

 

Thanks all - I have a decent company to work with but I like to look at the value from direct brands as well. 
 

honestly I wish BlueSound would make a $5k high end option - that might be the best of everything for a while. 

a lot of the advice here and elsewhere could probably be consolidated to go a great ‘start here’ forum post. 

honestly I wish BlueSound would make a $5k high end option - that might be the best of everything for a while. 

Well, their parent company (Lenbrook) already does, if you consider some of their NAD offerings "high end" enough. NAD's M50.2 goes for $3999. It's not exactly a feature-for-feature "upgrade" from the BS Node, though. For instance, it does not incorporate a DAC.

If you're not wedded to Bluesound's operating system (and app) there  are many other alternatives at around the $5K price point. Mytek, Cambridge Audio, Matrix, Lumen, Exasound, etc.

 

You are way over thinking this. Buy the best your budget can get then sit back and enjoy the music. My dac (dad) can play all The formats. Yes some sound better but none sound bad. Even logging in to a radio station web site and playing from there sounds good. 

Buying used can be your friend as you can turn around and sell it for not much loss as long as you buy well.  Here is a very good streamer and excellent DAC that together would come in well under $7k — just one example. 
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649930214-innuos-zen-3-1tb-black/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649931645-denafrips-terminator-ii-12th-black-full-warranty-free-ship-mint-1010-just-received-it-brand-new/

Best of luck.