Digital Files and Wi-Fi


So, here's my current situation.  I'm a Luddite and use my MF Nu-Vista CD as my front end. I like that method just fine, particularly when I read about getting "CD quality" from digital files; to me, if one wants "CD quality," then just play a CD and be done with it. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the prevailing wisdom, and it appears that digital files are the wave of the future. 

I started ripping my CDs to a computer with dbpoweramp. That's a bit of a project in and of itself.  I don't have an ethernet connection on the floor where my listening room is located and installing one will be difficult from a practical perspective. So, I likely will have to go wi-fi for adding something to my rig that can play digital files. Not really interested in streaming at this point, although many people tell me I will want that in the future. Initially, I thought about going from a PC into an external DAC into my preamp. I've been told that this is doable, but not desirable as a PC adds noise to the system, etc.  So, I just don't know where to go from here since I'm essentially limited to wi-fi or a computer based solution. I authored a couple of other threads on this to help with my initial research, but many of the suggestions required a NAS or an ethernet connection, or something with which I'm just not equipped to handle due to a limited knowledge base on the issue; it was much easier back in the day when all I had to worry about were patch cords and logical types of connections. Well, I know enough to know that I don't know.   

Your thoughts and  suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks. 
rlb61

If you have a limited budget, maybe a Sony HAP-z1es or a Bluesound would do the trick, providing you have strong WIFI at your rack.

The Sony is a good way to get started.  You can transmit all of the ripped files to the Sony via WIFI.  The problem is that I don't believe it supports streaming from Tidal or Qobuz.  These require a subscription.

The Bluesound Node2 will do your local files as well as streaming if you want that.  You can use the DAC inside the Bluesound or add an external DAC.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio


@audioengr ... would I have to use a computer monitor to access a library management tool if I went the Bluesound route, or could I use a tablet? Thanks.
Net Gear sells a device that uses electrical wiring for ethernet connection.  It's inexpensive and seems to work well.  Streaming should not be dismissed.  I've found DSD downloads from Acoustic Sounds to rival SACDs.

db