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Do I Need a Dedicated Streamer?

Hello everyone,

As the title states, I am still unsure of if I need a dedicated streamer and if it would increase the fidelity of my music compared to how I am listening at the moment. Which is using AirPlay 2 from my iPhone to my Hegel H590 Integrated amp.

 

I know that the DAC in the Hegel H590 is considered quite good and it was one of the reasons that I bought the amplifier to begin with. However, would I get a better input using a dedicated streamer for around $1000 (such as the Cambridge CXNV2 for example) or would I be better off leaving things as is?

I am just not sure if airplaying music to the Hegel is degrading the signal in comparison to a streamer that would pull its own data and send it directly to the amplifier? Also, would improving my router placement and wifi signal make any difference to the sound since my Hegel is hardwired using a mesh wifi system?

 

I am open to switching streaming platforms if I can gain something out of it such as resolution but I’m not sure if apple music is the issue in any of this.

 

If the answer to the title is a no. I am curious what I would need to take the quality of my listening experience to the next level or where money would be better spent to achieve that. I do have acoustic panels in my room and have done my fair share of research on speaker placement already.

 

The only thing that I have been considering in the near-future would have to be the isoacoustics gaia 1 feet.

 

My equipment:

Hegel H590 Integrated

KEF Reference 5 Meta

Metra Velox Speaker Cables

 

Thanks for reading.

danb99
pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
261 posts
 

My experience has been that the streamer will need a separate DAC. The built in DACs just are not as good. I experience this both in the Blusound 2i and the innuous Mini MK3. There was a significant improvement for both when ran through a Shiit Byfrost. A high end streamer might be ok.

littleman
26 posts
 

This is going to sound very ignorant....and I am uncertain if I clearly understand all of the streaming options....but what I use for home...

- Qobuz via 100 mbps over air internet to Fiio M11 Plus LTD balanced cable from the Fiio to the back of my Sony STR DA5700 ES receiver which feeds ML Ethos in a treated dedicated room....for me this sounds excellent.

Would an alternate streamer improve this chain?...and if so where would it go?

pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
261 posts
 

Built in DACs typically are not going to sound as good as external. The DAC in streamers I have had were not even close. Both the Bluesound 2i, and Innuous Mini MK 3 DAC could not compare to the Shiit Byfrost sound, especially on the low end bass. Both mid and highs were smoother on the Bifrost by a long shot. Someone on the forum who owns a Hegel H390 and external DAC would be better qualified to chime in if it is a recommended upgrade. I use a 100mbs wired connection which sounds great with no dropouts. If you use wireless, then be close to the router or have an extender if far away.

2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,503 posts
 

In the end, these devices are musical boxes of wires, so if you use a computer, a streamer or a Frankenstein version of a pie, it’s a stereo sound. I say this; put together a system that sounds good to you. Most of us do experiments and swap gear in and out. I know I have done this over decades of time. When it sounds right, keep it. I try hard to NOT make my hifi- rocket science.

coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
682 posts
 

No. But you do “need” a turntable. :)

I don’t own a streamer because it’s simply another venture down the digital rabbit hole. I’ve got turntables, and a dac. That’s enough digital for me. I’d rather invest into a stellar TT setup than digital. I’m not missing out on anything. 

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