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Re: streaming recommendations for newbie

Hi,

I'd like to finally enter the streaming world with my hifi system and am looking for recommendations.  I have streaming music in my car and on my computer, but I can't currently access any streaming services on my hifi system because I have tube gear and neither it nor my old backup gear have streaming capacity or a DAC (other than the CD player).  

 I guess that I need to buy both a streamer and a DAC?  I now have a pretty decent hifi system, but I want start out with modest priced streaming gear.    

Can anyone recommend a streamer & DAC, or unit that does both?  Does it make sense to put more $$ in a DAC or in a steamer?  Not sure about budget, but I'm thinking $500-1000 used for both as a starting point. Thank you.

Terry

tlh28
vinylshadow
426 posts
 

I'd suggest the Node 2i with a PD Creative PSU interface upgrade and an SBooster 5V/3A Linear power supply. Best sound for $1000.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 
anotherbob

I want an award for guessing he meant $500. I somehow thought is was Australian slang. I see it’s a Vegas term, in any case, I guessed right! What do I get?

elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 

I think almost anything is good enough to start and find out if you will stick with something, then upgrade after experience and research.

I agree, separates for future changes.

Based on suggestions here, I bought an inexpensive Topping

topping dac, $100.

for usb out of my PC, made a big improvement, certainly good enough for me. That’s just my office, music videos. I don’t stream elsewhere.

I will say, my friend bought a streamer and dac after lots of research, thought it was great.

I visited him, we played LP’s of female voices we both liked, then streamed same. Access, convenience terrific, but sound was not good. Eva, Ella, Sarah, Annie, Fontella, Barbra and Donna, .... none of the women’s voices sounded ’right’.

He had to admit, he had not compared, he was just so thrilled with ’everything’ available, and he likes using his phone to do things, the opposite of me.

johnnotkathi
43 posts
 

I just jumped into streaming and based on some recommendations in this forum, got the WiiM Pro Plus. $225. Super easy to set up and sounds good.  It easily connected to Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon Music so I have almost unlimited music choices. 

aheydorn
11 posts
 

Interesting and helpful chain - I have what might be an even more-basic question: I currently don’t stream but am considering expanding to Tidal. I play hi-res FLAC files from a laptop using JRiver through an entry-level Liberty DAC. What do I need to be able to stream hi-res music files? Any guidance appreciated!

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