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Best streamer for a returning audio guy

Hello, hope you all can help. My question is what is the most reasonable streamer to try in my system to see if it works for me? 
  A little background is in order . I’m an older gentleman, who was into audio years ago. I’m currently rebuilding my system with newer technology. I have significant older components. Such as Adcom separates, ( not currently using), Yamaha reciever rxa 2000 as a preamp, Rotel amp driving center speaker and rears, crown class d driving main speakers, I have many speaker choices. Currently using Kef 105/2 as mains ( have Martin Logan’s as well) , Martin logan cinema as center, Martin Logan’s a rear surround. All interconnects and speaker wires are morrow audio. 
 I am / was old school with over 1500 vinyl album’s from years of collecting. About 100 cds. One interesting note, this rebirth of my interest in audio came with my wife giving me a turntable for Christmas several years ago. Finally joked it up and after 30 years I was hooked again!!!

  On to my question, it appears that almost everyone is now streaming their music. Ok, I understand the concept ( have Sirius in the car) . What is the best unit to try this out. Can’t break the bank, used is ok, actually preferred. Any outlet advice would be appreciated. 
  I’m working to eventually get to the level of most of you. I have visited my local real hi fi store and have heard the”great” components and eventually I’ll get there. Thanks, and looking forward to your replies. Twodogs112.

128x128twodogs112
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poke33
70 posts
 

So your path is very similar to mine (and many others here)...I elected to keep my system vinyl centric and am putting my streaming system into the room we entertain the most in....I started streaming thru an AVR system to understand what was out there... I settled on Qobuz... from an equipment perspective I elected to go the Bluesound route as many others here have and recommended ($599)...the main resons for this is that the user app is very similar to the mConnect app I use now, the set up is very easy and the performance is very high given the price point above...should u feel the need to upgrade later, u can still use the Blusound as a streamer and connect your upgraded DAC thru it...

Good hunting, I had a blast researching all the variables and the folks here are very helpful

jbs
90 posts
 

Another vote for the newest Bluesound Node. Certainly there are higher end units but a great place to start. Just as important, if not more, is that the user interface and setup are very simple. I use an external DAC with mine but that is something to consider down the road. I am about to buy one for my dad just for these reasons. 

ghdprentice
6,362 posts
 

OP,

 

Welcome back. I think the Bluesound streamer is a great recommendation.

 

I’m an old guy also. Just a note on today’s audio world. Streaming can sound just as good as vinyl… for around the same price if you carefully choose the components. This is a pretty new development although the trend of improving digital has been going on for decades.

 

This is important, because unless you just love fiddling with vinyl (nothing wrong with that… but as I get older I am less happy getting up every 15 - 20 minutes), streaming completely opens up the world of music. Qobuz has 1/2 million high resolution albums. 
 

So, I would just keep in your mind that if you like what you hear, with work and money the sound can be as good as vinyl.

dynguy's avatar
dynguy
65 posts
 

Seriously and very much feel strongly about it. Try the iFi Zen. For the money, for someone wanted to try to see if they like it it really has no equal in its price range.

Sound, ease of use, access to all you need.

I’ll give you $2 if you find better for the money. My opinion of course (-:

 

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