Not to hijack OP’s thread, but along the lines of getting started streaming:
this thread had me do my first quickie stream to main music system: laptop/preamp/amp. easy, it works, I’ll listen later.
IF I like it, find I will use it, then, ’easy’ better quality? I will not pay for streaming service, that’s the first limitation.
how see to pick content?
better signal to preamp?
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My Quickie test;
Pandora (basic free) to discover artists I don’t know about, one of my specific stations/similar artists; or shuffle stations. I would never pay for streaming.
1. laptop so I can see and pick what I want.
2. Pandora for test.
3. sound from audio chip, audio software on intel motherboard, no sound card
4. headphone mini-rca out of laptop to preamp aux in, preamp to amp.
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Ouality Stages
a. initial limitation is free Pandora’s signal's quality to net
b. next is speed/quality of nearby wireless router (no lag, strong signal)
c. audio from intel motherboard to headphone out
d. mini-rca to rca cable
f. preamp mcintosh mx110z, tube, aux input
g. amp cayin a88t integrated line in
h. speakers are terrific, hence let’s hear pandora here.
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I already stream Pandora via darn good home theater, ethernet to smart tv to home theater typically changed to 2 channel to avoid pseudo surround av receiver may try.
Also streaming Pandora thru home office system, ethernet, pc headphone audio out, also from intel motherboard, Carver amp, B&W speakers and Velodyne sub.
Also streaming youtube music videos on home theater.
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Weakest links in this chain?
Easy ideas?