2. tech-talk
  3. 153493-37892

HELP! Streaming to my old school audiophile system

HELP!  I have a complete old school Nakamichi setup I've collected over the years (Stasis PA-7AII amp; CA-7A Pre-amp; ST-7 tuner; RX-505 tape deck; Dragon tape deck; MB-1 CD player; JVC turntable; all playing through my four JBL 4311B's).  I want to be able to wireously stream music through this system but don't know where to start nor how to hook such a device to my pre-amp.  Do I need a network streamer?  A DAC? Another pre-amp?  All of the above to do this right?  I've looked at the Cambridge Azur 851N, but are there alternative devices.  I also hear over and over again that AirPlay is the best media to stream with.  Help!  I'm lost and need educated and pointed in the right direction with a device or system that won't cheapen the sound my old school set up currently produces.   
jamwvu
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,108 posts
 
I've looked at the Cambridge Azur 851N, but are there alternative devices.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/bluesound-node-2i-azur-851n-or
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
What you want is a DAC/streamer.  It's basically a network streamer with a DAC built into it.  The Cambraidge Azure 851N is one option.  Bluesound Node 2i is another option.  There are better options, but they do cost more. 

Sony HAPZ1ES $1999
Auralic Altair G1  $2699
Cocktail Audio X45 $2995
Aurender A100  $3900

Be aware that not all network streamers will have a DAC built in.
stevenyc
23 posts
 
Good morning enthusiasts. I just purchased the Cocktail Audio X45 and could not be more pleased with the result. I began streaming through an Oppo BDP105D and wanted to digitize my vast CD collection. With no disc drive in my laptop, I decided to look into network streamers that also rip music, and I wanted something at a reasonable price point. 

Enter the X45. What impressed me about its specs was: DACs for each channel, ripping capability, streaming Tidal MQA, FM tuner, ability to rip my vinyl collection and the build quality.

I can safely say that I am impressed by the quality of the sound and the dedicated DACs have improved the sound-stage. I'm hearing more of the detail in Hi-rez streaming on this unit compared to the Oppo. Oh, and did I mention the great build quality. Granted, it has only been 2 days, but I have noticed an improvement in the sound quality, and the database management is easy and intuitive. Comes with a remote and I display it on my TV monitor. I just ordered the wi-fi dongle so I can manage it all on a tablet or phone. 


Running it with the following equipment:
Vandy Treo CTs
Simaudio W-3 Amp
Conrad-Johnson PVL14 Tubed pre-amp
Speaker cable: Audioquest  Rocket 88 bi-wire
Interconnects: Synergistic Research, Kimber Silver-streak, Audioquest HDMIs and Analysis Plus.

Happy listening
jonchew
13 posts
 
Anyone comparing x45 with A100? I am planning to get one of the model in future.
antigrunge2
1,331 posts
 
I‘d suggest a streaming DAC from Auralic or Lumin, straight into your preamp via RCA and you are off to the races
More to discover