Hey hey hey, it's not just my or his wife, it also me!! ![]()
Pandora again, and now Spotify too...
For the last several years we have been streaming happily Pandora and Spotify (along with Qobuz) on an LMS (Logitech Media Server) streamer (Magna HiFi Mano Ultra), with an RME DAC, on our decent home stereo system. Recently LMS became Lyrion, and the plugins which enabled Pandora and Spotify access and streaming became inoperational with no substitutes or remedies that I can find. Qobuz is still streaming fine, but it is my understanding that perhaps due to artist royalty issues the only way to stream Pandora and Spotify in their top native resolutions is via their apps or when logged in directly to their sites via a browser.
I found no audio streamers or platforms (e.g., Roon, Jplay) which support these two services. Could not even ask the question on the Volumio site without a subscription...
First of all please correct me if I'm wrong... I'd love to be wrong here.
However, if I'm right, I am coming to the conclusion that the only way to stream these two services at their best quality (with no upsampling from USB) on our system is to stream them on a computer with a good sound card which has digital coax output which I would route to my DAC.
If the latter makes sense to anybody, can you please recommend a good sound card and basic computer, I assume a Windows desktop it can be installed in. Would love to use a Mac but am not aware of any current "open chassis" models which would accept a separate sound card.
Any thoughts and ideas are appreciated!
Cheers, Yoram
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The WiiM Ultra features three primary digital outputs for connecting to an external DAC: USB Audio Out, Optical (TOSLINK), and Coaxial (SPDIF), all supporting up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. The USB port allows for direct digital connection to high-end DACs, bypassing the internal ESS9038Q2M chip, and can also provide 5V/1.5A power. A nice cable to pair with the two devices. Develop a relationship with this company, and you can usually get 10% off new purchases.
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@gkelly , thanks! You first mention all 3 digital outputs (USB, coax, optical) but later you single out the USB connection. Any reason? |
Sorry for the wrong cable link. nine times out of 10 USB has the best sound quality. The WIIM comes with an optical cable so you will be able to compare the differences between the two. |
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