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Alternatives to streaming via Apple TV/iTunes

My current 2 channel setup in the main living room is as follows:
iMac (iTunes) --> Apple TV (via Airplay/wifi) --> Parasound P5 (via TosLink) --> Parasound A21 (via XLR) --> B&W CM10

I usually buy CDs and rip them (using ALAC) into iTunes.

I don't really have any major complaints, but I often wonder if this is the most optimal route given the rest of my system. I don't want to do a CD player for various reasons.

I've heard folks using a Mac Mini to preamp/DAC via USB, etc. Alternatively, I see dedicated music servers/streamers but some of them sound quite pricey. I'm not sure if dedicated streamers will be a major step up compared to the Apple TV.

I guess I'm interested in finding out if (a) there are better options out there (no CD player though), and (b) if the difference in SQ will be enough to justify the extra effort/expense?

Another thing I often wonder is, if I plan to play music via my computer (or streaming services ala Spotify, Tidal), do I really need to keep a dedicated preamp such as the Parasound P5? I don't think I'll ever do a dedicated CD player source or turntable.

Any advise will be much appreciated.
128x128arafiq

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

If you want to improve things, I would recommend putting a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh between your AppleTV and your Parasound P5. The reclocker would have Toslink in and then S/PDIF coax out (I can recommend a very good cable). This will reduce jitter from the AppleTV for TV and stereo, improving imaging, focus and soundstage width and height.  About $600.

If you want to improve things even more, you might consider a dedicated server and USB converter. This is a lot more expensive, but will be better than the ATV. It would connect USB from the server to the USB converter and then coax to your P5. The reason for the USB converter is again to reduce jitter over what you would get directly out of the server.  Good servers are generally thousands of dollars, as are good USB converters.  You are looking at probably $4K to make a significant improvement.


A fairly inexpensive way to get both new server capability and low jitter is the Sonos reclocked with a Synchro-Mesh.  $1000-2000, depending on options.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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