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Streaming Audio Questions

I've recently started back into the whole stereo game after many years. I am interested in getting into streaming audio to my stereo and have questions I hope to get help with. Is it better to get a streaming system like the Bluesound Node going into my system or is a decent quality DAC from my laptop the way to go? I first heard a Sonos player through some darn good gear at a stereo shop and was underwhelmed with the sound quality. I read on the internet about the hi- res playback of the Bluesound and wonder if that is a good stand alone unit or if a DAC from my laptop would be as good or better than the Bluesound? Are there other hi-res streamers on the market? Is Tidal the only hi- res streaming site? Anyways, a bunch of noob questions I'm sure but I really need some guidance. Opinions would be appreciated.
bhans
bhans OP
7 posts
 
Audioengr- That all sounds really confusing and complicated. Why would I go to all that work when a unit like the Bluesound will do as good/ better out of the box? I'm not trying to be smug, I just would like to know. 
jl35
3,923 posts
 
The Bluesound is a very good unit and value, but the Sonos with Steve's products or the Wyred4 mods with a good Dac will sound much better. I would think you could also use these mods with the Bluesound. Depends on the sound quality you want and your budget.
robpriore
35 posts
 
First, welcome back to HiFi!  We've been busy trying to figure out how to get the best sound out of the new high rez material on the market, and streaming too.

You need to be excited because the outcome of years of work have yielded some incredible playback capabilities.

Having spent years and a small fortune on digital audio my findings for the best sound are to use a standard laptop with an SSD drive, running JRiver software in memory play mode, then outputting the digital signal via USB cable to a USB Disruptor unit, then finally to a USB DAC.

With this setup you deliver a pristine digital signal to the DAC and though this is very cost effective, it is my opinion based on years of experience that this method is as good as any method of getting a clean digital signal to an audio component.  So in this case low cost does not mean sonic limitations, it just means low cost.

The USB Disruptor ensures your digital signal from the computer is free of noise and interference that causes jitter.

With this setup you're set for the new HiFi.

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

What you have with Jriver is probably as good as it gets with USB and a PC. If you were to go Mac with the right version of Amarra, it would be a bit better, but not hugely. I have compared these and Mac is what I use.


The USB interface in the DAC is likely the weak point now.  Not too many really good ones out there IME.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

bhans OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for all the great info! I was hoping for a plug-n-play solution but it looks like it's not quite that simple. DAC's, De-jittering devices and  USB Disruptor units have my head spinning. One thing it seems is that a DAC is needed for whatever digital source goes into the preamp. One other Question, Jriver is used to import CD's and vinyl, it's not for streaming services like Tidal or Fidelify- correct? I appreciate all the help everyone has given. Thank you!
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