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To Stream or not to Stream

[A collective sign resonates from forum members upon seeing "Stream" in the title]  ...Before you run away, I read a number of threads dealing with streaming, so this is to ask about what I didn't learn.

I am trying to select a streaming option into my McIntosh DA2 DAC. I would like to stay south of $4k and get the best bang for my buck. It would be best if I could sit in the comfort of my chair with my MacBook, iPhone or iPad and control my music. I do not need a fancy screen on the component. They are nice, but I only care about the sound.

To make a decision / purchase I hope to get answers to the following:

  1. I have a CD collection, but none are HD. Why do people rip CDs when all of those CDs can be streamed from music services? I have Tidal and want to drop it for Qobuz. Learning more about the burning CD topic will help narrow down if should go with a ripper / streamer combo. 
  2. I can't find much on my DA2 DAC but assume it's top notch being from McIntosh? Consensus? How do I know if I should use it versus another streamer option with its own DAC?
  3. It appears that a USB connection is needed for DSD512 (basically the most demanding formats)? I can't find much on this but many of the recommended streamers on this site do not always have USB-out, which is confusing at some of the high price points!?
  4. Is DSD only achieved from ripping CDs?
  5. What are people doing to stream DSD512 or other formats of this quality? 
  6. I haven't seen anyone recommend the Roon Nucleus? If I'm not going to rip CDs, is it one to add to my consideration list?

This would be easy if I had money... Aurender ACS10 if I want to rip or N20, up. Others as well at these price points.

I see used N100s here... maybe that's my answer unless I want to rip. The Innuos is intriguing, but you have to buy a separate power supply... I just want to get this right the first time and be happy. I'm already gun-shy of making another purchase mistake like the new Bluesound Node 2i I need to sell... It's only a mistake because it does not do USB-out (as of this post) or support the formats I wish to stream to my DA2. Not a fan of its software either. 

Thank you!


128x128izjjzi
itsjustme
681 posts
 
However, I do not stream my music for serious, usually by myself, listening. (snip) In those instances it is LP’s, cd’s etc...I have not invested a lot into the streaming stuff,

I've taken this pretty seriously and I can say, without reservation, that good streaming (minimum full red book, better: high res) sounds better than ripped CDs and ripped CDs from a good, low jitter streamer sound better than those same CDs played from a CD player --. SPDIF --> the same DAC.

LPs vs digital is more of a philosophical and preferences thing. Objectively most old, commercial release records tend to suck - lots of pressing distortion, compression, etc.  to me, no comparison. I am not referring to "audiophile" pressings but they are generally marginal music.  But 99% of the time, LPs come in, for me, dead last. (but often romantically so)


You had a different experience.  Your own words explain why you  feel differently. You have not put the time or $$ into making streaming good. So that's hardly a reason to criticize the format.


Before you think you must spend a lot, my first epiphany came when i ripped CDs and played them backing using a Macbook pro, bitperfect, USB, running the laptop on batter to reduce ground and power supply noise.  Just better.  I began experimenting and never looked back.  Note my ripped CDs and streaming come from the identical source:  my Roon server - so its apples to apples.

Just sayin'


audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,849 posts
 
For build quality ,made in MA. U.SA. Machined billet aluminum case 
Classic AD 1955 laser trimmed dual  Multibitbit dacs ,separate modules for dsd conversion ,separate linear power supplies and Streamer card for $6500
Bricasti M3 dac  with analog preamplifier is a true high end bargain. And run all your music off your tablet,no drivers to load,or firmwear headaches👍

itsjustme
681 posts
 
how do you connect your tablet to your Bricasti DAC?  Does it have the power & bandiwdth (over???) to upsample and stream both full CD and HD? the convenience and simplicity soudns alluring for many at first, but leaves lots of questions.

flevick
12 posts
 
I think you’re way overthinking this. You don’t need to be spending a fortune. Just take itsjustme’s advice. He knows what he’s talking about. 
sns
3,003 posts
 
Yep, streaming can be complex undertaking, so many routes available, constant change and innovation. Unique solutions are far more rule than exception. The only advice I can give is every link in chain matters in optimizing streaming sound quality. I started streaming many years ago, this has been fun and interesting journey.
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