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Streaming for beginner

I have a PS Audio front end-- DMP disc player and DirectSteam DAC. Very happy with the resolution and performance, especially from my redbook cd collection. For those familiar with the DSD, it is upgradable via a network bridge card to become a dedicated streamer. When I bought this DAC, I was looking ahead to an eventual migration to streaming.
I also have a Spotify account, that currently only serves me as a companion to my iPhone during walks and exercise.

My question: assume my goal is to stream for convenience, simplicity, and achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s. I am not looking to purchase music or download it for storage. What am I missing? I also have a dedicated iPad that can serve as the interface to the DAC/Streamer. Spotify also claims that streaming in high resolution is available on my account. Do I need anything else? Am I oversimplifying this?

I am a beginner when it comes to streaming, so please answer in simple terms since I will not be familiar with a lot of the services and components mentioned elsewhere in these forums. In fact, confusing enough for me that it is forcing me to ask here.


mbiondo
jaudio1
120 posts
 
Install the network bridge and ditch spotify as it is NOT high rez.  Get either Tidal HIFI or Qobuz. In fact if you go to best buy they have a deal with Tidal for $99 for a year paid upfront for their hifi (most hi rez) service.  Then your done.
rols's avatar
rols
22 posts
 
My question: assume my goal is to stream for convenience, simplicity, and achieve audio quality that equals or surpasses that of redbook cd’s. I am not looking to purchase music or download it for storage. What am I missing? I also have a dedicated iPad that can serve as the interface to the DAC/Streamer. Spotify also claims that streaming in high resolution is available on my account. Do I need anything else? Am I oversimplifying this?

I think the piece you are missing is Roon. This piece of friendly software will make the experience of using a streaming service and finding / keeping track of your music much simpler, much more pleasurable. 

Roon plus a music collection plus a streaming service is a real eye opener. 

Yes its a bit of a hassle, because you will need a computer to run the "core" (the main roon software" on - this could be anything in your house that is connected via wires to your network, or you can buy a box specifically for running the core software on. Yes its not cheap. But boy will it improve your enjoyment of music. It might even end up making it sound nicer to.
bluemoodriver
193 posts
 
Another plug for Roon here. I like the way Roon and Qobuz interact. The only problem is that Roon makes it so easy and so fascinating to explore and learn about music that you spend too much of your time reading and clicking and forgetting to listen. 
mbiondo OP
20 posts
 
A big thanks to everyone who provided very good info here.  I am learning a lot. I am finding here some very consistent answers re QoBuz, for example.  So there are pieces of this puzzle that convinced me I should do.  But one early post above suggested I research PS Audio forums as well.  Unfortunately I did. And I found some disturbing mixed reviews on the Bridge II network card.  Consistently owners found the DS dac to be less musical with the card than without.  Many DS owners have moved to an Aurelic Aries G1 or G2 as a dedicated streamer and away from the Bridge II.  This option is a lot more $$$ than I had anticipated spending on just the network card.  I don’t mind the $$$, but I also don’t want to waste money.  PS Audio has a 30 day trial period which I can certainly take advantage of.  But I wouldn’t have the option to compare to a dedicated streamer like the Aurelic.  Decisions, decisions.  
melvinjames
416 posts
 
I wouldn't worry too much over the mixed reviews. Always good to keep in mind one person's bright and forward is another's neutral. It's your ears that matter. It's the same with every component/speaker/software out there. Enjoy the 30 day trial, you may find the network card is the perfect solution for you.
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