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Question/Help Needed: Boomer who is totally inexperienced with DACs and streamers.

Question/Help Needed: Totally inexperienced with DACs and streamers. The streaming I currently do is with an Alexa device connected to the AUX input of vintage receivers with RCA cables (I have several setups in the house).

I just bought a NAD C375BEE Integrated Amp that has a DAC module installed. It is driving Thiel CS 1.6 speakers. (I am slowly trying to go from low-fi to something a bit better) 

https://nadelectronics.com/.../c-375bee-integrated.../

https://nadelectronics.com/.../MDC-DAC-2.0-USB-Digital-to...

I want to "stream" but have no idea what is needed in a streamer to deliver really solid quality music. Is it the source? The streamer? The DAC? I do like the "voice control" I get with the Alexa devices I have.

Any/all help or advice is much appreciated!! Thanks!!  John

johnnotkathi
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
887 posts
 

It looks like the BlueSound has optical and USB outs...so would I connect one of them to the corresponding input in the amp/DAC? 

Yes. but make sure the Blue Sound supports Amazon service.  Then find out the resolution of the stream (make sure its streaming at least 16/48).  More people here can chime in who have experience with Amazons service.   I see 2 digital inputs on that module (optical and USB). 

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
887 posts
 

@nwres 

+1

nwres's avatar
nwres
205 posts
 

It looks like the BlueSound has optical and USB outs...so would I connect one of them to the corresponding input in the amp/DAC?

 

Connecting to your built in DAC with USB will support higher resolution files compared to Optical.

soix
8,660 posts
 

It looks like the BlueSound has optical and USB outs...so would I connect one of them to the corresponding input in the amp/DAC?  I guess then I control what I play via a phone or tablet?

Avoid using the optical out and use either its coax or USB, and then yes you’d use your phone or tablet with whatever streamer/app you’re using. 

johnnotkathi OP
33 posts
 

Looking at this...and will check the other suggestions.  Thanks to all for taking the time to respond to my questions..... 

 

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