2. digital
  3. 156548-145014

Another streaming newbie

Guys, I have tried to search and figure this out, because I know this topic has been well-covered. But I am still wandering in the dark, so plz forgive my redundant questions....

First, here's my current rig,: I built a Lenco table 15 yrs ago with a JMW 10 arm/London Super Gold that I run into a phono pre that I built from a pretty high end kit  (can't see the name, have no idea what it is now!) thru a VTL tube IT-85 integrated amp and then thru some SF Electa Amator II, supported by a sub I built.  So pretty mid-fi setup, but it really works for me.  Sounds great, to my ears.  

The Covid thing has me home (no golf in Los Angeles!), listening to music more. Would love to stream something that approaches the vinyl sound quality with a music service, but being retired, budget is more a concern now... I just subscribed to TIDAL with its premium level (MQA) that I was running straight from my iphone 6 to the VTL. Meh.  Then my daughter ran same stuff through her iphone 11 and, hey, that sounded better.  So, clearly, I am in need of a streaming DAC.  

I know MQA gets mixed reviews. I have no way really to test this or to go listen to stuff. Everything is shut down here. So here's the criteria that matters most to me:
  • A great UI app because now streaming is like going to the Smithsonian.  There's a lot to organize. 
  • Great sound. (whatever that means!) 
  • One box.  Cables get expensive & messy.  
  • I'd like to keep it under $2K. I'd really like to keep it under $1K, but that may be wishful thinking.  I mean, is Bluesound Node 2 up to it? I am sure it would beat my daughters iphone 11, but ... what are reasonable streamers/DACS?  Where's the killer solution that isn't $10K?  I know it's out there....
I am not so far into TIDAL that I can't change. My system is in the same room as my router, so I can run an ethernet cable to the DAC.  As I have looked at all of this, it has occurred to me to get an older, much higher quality used DAC that I can somehow mesh with TIDAL (or another service with high quality streaming) and forget the MQA.  But this has to somehow hook into my internet directly and be able to be run by a remote UI.  So now my head is spinning.

Thanks for your input.  Chuck
chuckccs

Showing 3 responses by macrojack

macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Square one. A streamer is a highly specialized computer whose only job is to deliver the digital signal to your system. Your system, however, requires an analog signal. That's where the Digtital to Analog Converter (DAC) is necessary. 
The Bluesound Node 2Ci contains both so something just under $600 is all you need to spend currently for hardware. You will feed your Node with an ethernet signal which you say you have at the ready. From the Node to your preamp you will need a pair of RCA cables and you are done. Just plug it into your preamp input labeled CD or Aux and sit back. 
As a further suggestion, you might consider upgrading your phone/controller/remote from iPhone 6 to something like an iPhone  Xr or an iPad Air. The larger screen might come in handy for viewing your options. As a last suggestion, I would recommend you try Qobuz. It seems more inclined toward grownups than Tidal and it does not require MQA which can limit your DAC options should you develop curiosity about how much better things can get at some point in the future. 
I bought from Crutchfield where they give you 60 days to decide about your level of satisfaction, and free shipping. The unit lists for $550 but there will be tax. That's why I posted "under $600" rather than a more precise figure. 
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
I'm the dummy who said Node 2 Ci. So, here's my correction: I should have called it a Node 2i, which is what I meant to say initially.
Now I would like to assure you that, while the Bluesound products are said to fail at tickling the upper reaches of audio purity, they have a very strong following among former purists such as myself, and seemingly, you. So, take my advice and buy one from Crutchfield or any other reputable outfit that will extend you a 60 day money back guarantee. This will give you familiarity with the whole streaming experience and prepare you to proceed from a position of some familiarity should you find that you want to take things up a notch. Return shipping on a 5 lb. item will be your only cost.
Another approach, the one I took, is to buy an NAD M-10 integrated amp to replace everything you now own. It keeps you in the Bluesound universe, gives you an ESS Sabre DAC, excellent streamer, N-Core amplification, Dirac Live room correction, and a compact, elegant looking one box solution. The only other thing you will need is speakers - and you already have great ones. It weighs 11 lbs. and delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. All the other benefits listed concerning Crutchfield will still apply. They have excellent customer service as well. They will hold your hand all the way through any difficulty or confusion you encounter. I was where you are now last September when I followed the advice I'm offering you now. Very happy with the M-10. Read the reviews. John Darko and Hans Beerkhuyzen have very good explanations on video.
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Chuck - The reason I suggested the NAD M-10 for you is your desire for a one box solution for streamer and DAC. Why not take it a step further and replace your integrated as well?
The M-10 retails for $2750 but it replaces your entire system. It also has analog inputs so you can simply plug and play your vinyl chain. With the 60 day free trial, you can listen and determine if you feel it improves upon what you are accustomed to hearing.
Do yourself a favor and read the many reviews. The only recurring complaint I have noticed is the lack of a headphone jack. The Bluesound platform is immensely convenient and reliable. This is my first move into streaming. Back in Sept. of 2019, I was as confused and intimidated as you say you are. Now all I do is tap my phone a couple of times and I have 70,000 radio stations from around the world and most of the music ever recorded at my immediate disposal. What beats that? Try Qobuz.
Do not be swayed by the purists. You learned to ignore them when you designed the system you currently love. Continuing that practice is, as you know, in your best interest. BTW - I'm 72 years old and long retired.
The M-10 weighs all of 11 lbs. and requires no wires other than speaker cables and an AC cord. You can even skip the ethernet cable if you like.It also has dual sub outs. The Dirac live comes in the package also. It is one of the best room correction systems available and comes along with a dedicated microphone. Very easy to use. All you need to do is download the app. Same thing with Bluos operating system - just download it and go.
More to discover