Streaming for beginner


I have a PS Audio front end-- DMP disc player and DirectSteam DAC. Very happy with the resolution and performance, especially from my redbook cd collection. For those familiar with the DSD, it is upgradable via a network bridge card to become a dedicated streamer. When I bought this DAC, I was looking ahead to an eventual migration to streaming.
I also have a Spotify account, that currently only serves me as a companion to my iPhone during walks and exercise.

My question: assume my goal is to stream for convenience, simplicity, and achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s. I am not looking to purchase music or download it for storage. What am I missing? I also have a dedicated iPad that can serve as the interface to the DAC/Streamer. Spotify also claims that streaming in high resolution is available on my account. Do I need anything else? Am I oversimplifying this?

I am a beginner when it comes to streaming, so please answer in simple terms since I will not be familiar with a lot of the services and components mentioned elsewhere in these forums. In fact, confusing enough for me that it is forcing me to ask here.


mbiondo

Showing 3 responses by melvinjames

Spotify's high quality setting is still lossy compression (320 kbps) and is more than sufficient for walking and exercise, not so much otherwise. For higher quality streams you need a service like Qobuz or Tidal. Have you already upgraded your DAC with the network card? If yes, seems like you're all set in the hardware department. I'm sure you're aware PS Audio has their own forum with friendly and helpful folks. Best of luck.
@mbiondo .. for CD quality and above I've had subscriptions to Qobuz, Tidal, and Deezer. I prefer Qobuz and find it comparable to my ripped library. Their high-res catalog is wonderful and no MQA (lossy).
I wouldn't worry too much over the mixed reviews. Always good to keep in mind one person's bright and forward is another's neutral. It's your ears that matter. It's the same with every component/speaker/software out there. Enjoy the 30 day trial, you may find the network card is the perfect solution for you.