Where/how to start?


My music source is CD, SACD, and LPs. I occasionally listen to streaming music through Spotify. I don't have a music server or I don't use DACs for any digital forms of music.

However, as I am growing older (almost 60), I've been thinking about making things simple and setting up digital systems. Also, even though it is not lossless, I feel that music from Spotify is getting better recently.

I have a dedicated HT and 2 channel system. I have OPPO 105D and Esoteric UZ1. (Also 5 turntables.) 

So, how would I start? I don't have a budget set yet so it would be tough for you to give any concrete advice, but I'd like to hear about basic and simple pathways to setup a decent digital systems.  

128x128ihcho

Showing 5 responses by ihcho

Many thanks for quick responses.

Anyway, I should have said that I am a complete idiot in digital audio.

I have two power amps (Plinius SA102 and Quicksilver monoblocks) and two preamps (Audible Illusions M3B and Plinius M16P). For the starter, I would still keep the amps and preamps for digital music, even though a streamer integrated amps like Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 look interesting.

I use Spotify with BluDento BLT-HD (Bluetooth receiver) from my iPhone.

Can I still use BluDento if I switch to Qobuz? If I can, how would be the sound quality? Bluesound streamer will be better?

Do people usually keep their digital files locally (in computer or usb storage)? Or, subscribe to Qobuz or Spotify? 

I mostly listen to music at home and I am not sure whether I will spend time to covert my CD collections (about 1000) to digital files. Maybe I will do for my LPs (around 3000) if there is an easy way to store to digital format.

Again, thanks for your input.

Thanks.

It appears that Bluesound Node (N130?) + Tidal subscription using OPPO’s DAC is one of the best (simplest and cheapest) options. Once I get used to the streaming music, I’ll think about upgrading to a more high end streamer.

[edit] I came across Cambridge Audio CXN V2. Would it be better in sound than Bluesound Node? Having a display feature seems to be very convenient.

My Ethernet router is far away from my components. Then, I can use a wall wart WiFi extender?

 

Thanks for the recommendation of iFi Zen. This is also new to me.

Can somebody comment on Node's DAC? Would it be better than the DAC on Oppo? If Oppo's DAC is better I will go for iFi Zen. If Node's DAC is better, I would go for Node. Well, if they are about the same I will go for the one that is easier and more flexible to use.

That would be my start even though I may spend more later on better streaming device + DAC. I don't know too much about networking issue. Once I gain more knowledge I will take a look on better network setup.

Thanks again.

Great.

It appears that I would not be able to tell the difference between DACs on OPPO and Node.

I will most likely go for Bluesound Node with Qobuz subscription. To get a wired network connection I need to rearrange my current setup - swap the HT and 2 channel setups to avoid a long running network wire.

I based my decision on the budget, sound quality, flexibility, and ease of use. Once I gain more experience on digital streaming, I will get rid of at least one turntable to fund for a higher end streamer and DAC.

My iPad is about 4 years old and I have iPhone 11.

So, I can use either iPad or iPhone to control the music? Then, the connection between iPhone and Node is through WiFi, right?  

If I use a direct network connection, do I still use iPhone to control the music? Well, things will get cleared once I get a Node.