Network Audio Player and CD player

jumpindick

So I have been thinking about getting one of those network audio player for my music system. I have been looking around on internet, but could not get clear focus. Too many things available and can cost a lot. Can you guys help with some recommendations? I am looking at the one from Sony, but not sure how well it can produce hi resolution quality playbacks. Budget is about $1K.

On the other hand, I have been also thinking to get a nice cd player. I am using Harman Kardon DVD27 as a CD player with rotel DAC and Rogue Audio cronus magnus tube integrated amp. I have peachtree nova pre sitting around, and am thinking to put it in the mix (not sure if that would be wise to do).. Any suggestions for a good cd player? Budget is around $600. Do not have a lot to spend on.

Any suggestion that you guys can give, would be really appreciated.

Thank you.
Dhaval.

steveinaz

An Oppo BDP-103 would serve both functions, and give you awesome BluRay performance.

littlewoodboats

If something like the OPPO fits your needs the new 203 model falls well within your stated budget.

jeremymarcinko

Get a chromecast audio $35 and spend the rest on an excellent DAC and quality cables.

tonyb

Your going to get responses all over the map to confuse you more. If you want to get into streaming, a good quality dac is essential.

The oppo suggestions is a good way to get your feet wet, but I guarantee you, once you get used to having your music collection at your fingertips, you'll want to put any cd spinner out to pasture. The OPPO has versatility, better BR and CD performance that what you currently have, and the ability to stream plus you won't have to spend a lot for that muffler.

kevhed72

jeremymarcinko wrote: »

Get a chromecast audio $35 and spend the rest on an excellent DAC and quality cables.

I agree on the DAC and cable comment...you can even go with a SqueezeBox to get started and run it through the DAC. I started with a Squeezebox Duo run thru a Shiit DAC and these guys are right... while I'm holding on to my CDs and vinyl, the majority of future upgrades I do will go toward streaming.

erniejade

Used marantz?

recoveryone

The Squeezebox Touch gives you the best bang for the buck. Album cover viewing and the ability to playback Hi/Res 96khz stock and higher when modded. Also many apps on both apple/android to use as controller. Once you go this route the Touch will spoil you and make you demand more from other units.

kevhed72

erniejade wrote: »

Used marantz?

possibly..... I was eyeing a Cambridge CNX refurb. but always looking for a deal.... if you are selling one

jeremymarcinko

Chromecast audio also does hi Rez. Super simple to stream. I just don't see the point in spending more to receive and pass code. I can see the album art on my iPhone.

jumpindick

Thank you all so much for your input. It certainly gives me clearer direction to look into. I agree with tonyb on future of cd player. If I have everything ripped onto a hard drive in hi resolution format, then it is a matter of playing via the music streamer.

Currently I have rotel 1580 dac that I bought from a fellow member on this forum. I have been using it lately and would say that it is a decent DAC. Would you guys have better recommendations? I am happy with the music that get out of the system, but it is not quite crisp and am sure that with better gears, the sound stage could be better.

Now, with that said, I am pretty sure that one would think that how much money do I think to spend on such upgrades. After all, you get what you pay for... After considering you all's feedback, I am going to scratch idea of cd player and would put that fund towards the streamer and/or DAC. I like the idea of stand alone DAC. Oppo would probably give me both, but would still like to see if I can put in a stand alone DAC.

Any suggestions??

And thank you again for your valuable inputs. I really appreciate it.

Dhaval.

txcoastal1

The Auralic mini is a good bang for your buck

voltz

I have the Auralic mini and love it, came with a free year of Tidal and you could put a internal SSD drive inside to hold all your music or just use it to stream.

Handles DSD files also, now it is working with Tidal's HiREZ master list of 24 bit music!

http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/110687/AURALiC-Aries_Mini_Wireless_Streamer-Hi_Res_Audio_Player

needs a iphone or ipad to control it, but has a nice graphical interface on the Ipad for using the software and seeing and streaming your music files.

tonyb

jumpindick wrote: »

Thank you all so much for your input. It certainly gives me clearer direction to look into. I agree with tonyb on future of cd player. If I have everything ripped onto a hard drive in hi resolution format, then it is a matter of playing via the music streamer.

Currently I have rotel 1580 dac that I bought from a fellow member on this forum. I have been using it lately and would say that it is a decent DAC. Would you guys have better recommendations? I am happy with the music that get out of the system, but it is not quite crisp and am sure that with better gears, the sound stage could be better.

Now, with that said, I am pretty sure that one would think that how much money do I think to spend on such upgrades. After all, you get what you pay for... After considering you all's feedback, I am going to scratch idea of cd player and would put that fund towards the streamer and/or DAC. I like the idea of stand alone DAC. Oppo would probably give me both, but would still like to see if I can put in a stand alone DAC.

Any suggestions??

And thank you again for your valuable inputs. I really appreciate it.

Dhaval.

I guess first thing we would like to hear from you is your preferences in sound. More forward, laid back, neutral sounding, more on the warm side, or ice picks in your ears. Next, the kind of music genre's you listen to most, Rock, country, jazz, classical, blues, etc. Helps us narrow the field in our suggestions.

Also, what kind of files will you be streaming or want to stream. CD quality lossless files, hi-rez files, WAV, etc. Do you plan on subscribing to a music service Like Spotify or Tidal ? If you think you might be doing tidal, and want to take advantage of their MQA, master tape titles.....all your gear needs to accommodate that. Do you have a computer already, apple, windows ? Phone....apple/android ?

Just a bit more info and we can point you to the best bang for your buck and a pleasant first experience.

jumpindick

[/quote]

I guess first thing we would like to hear from you is your preferences in sound. More forward, laid back, neutral sounding, more on the warm side, or ice picks in your ears. Next, the kind of music genre's you listen to most, Rock, country, jazz, classical, blues, etc. Helps us narrow the field in our suggestions.

Also, what kind of files will you be streaming or want to stream. CD quality lossless files, hi-rez files, WAV, etc. Do you plan on subscribing to a music service Like Spotify or Tidal ? If you think you might be doing tidal, and want to take advantage of their MQA, master tape titles.....all your gear needs to accommodate that. Do you have a computer already, apple, windows ? Phone....apple/android ?

Just a bit more info and we can point you to the best bang for your buck and a pleasant first experience.[/quote]

Sure thing. I really missed on that. I prefer music on warm side. I usually listen to Jazz, blues, classical. Heavy metal is out of equation as i personally cannot stand it. Too much for me... I already have a dedicated computer (windows) with ample storage capacity. I also have ipads that I can use. I usually play and prefer to play CD quality music (lossless, hi-res files). I believe that mp3s are great if I want to save on hard drive space, but they come at compromise on quality. I usually do not use mp3. I have subscription to Spotify that I use to stream music. In addition, I also listen to instrumental music also. Originally I was looking at Sony HAP-S1 or HAP-Z1ES. But then the idea of an external stand alone DAC and the fact that I already have a dedicated computer to rip and store music changed my mind.

kharp1

I will second Skip. I couldn't be happier with my SA-14S1. I've considered picking up the HD-DAC1 to use in the second system to replace the Parasound P5's DAC. IF your funds allow I would highly recommend grabbing the SA-14S1 as it offers a great quality drive along with DAC and a full array of inputs. For many people this is a destiny piece. Don't think doubling the price will get me anywhere near double the results.

kharp1

To address your budget, if you're looking at $1000 on a DAC and $600 on a CD player you're almost at the 14, which is stellar at both. I would be very surprised if you could come up with two seperate units at that price that would come close to the performance of the 14.

Just my 2 pennies. I'm done now.

tonyb

jumpindick wrote: »

I guess first thing we would like to hear from you is your preferences in sound. More forward, laid back, neutral sounding, more on the warm side, or ice picks in your ears. Next, the kind of music genre's you listen to most, Rock, country, jazz, classical, blues, etc. Helps us narrow the field in our suggestions.

Also, what kind of files will you be streaming or want to stream. CD quality lossless files, hi-rez files, WAV, etc. Do you plan on subscribing to a music service Like Spotify or Tidal ? If you think you might be doing tidal, and want to take advantage of their MQA, master tape titles.....all your gear needs to accommodate that. Do you have a computer already, apple, windows ? Phone....apple/android ?

Just a bit more info and we can point you to the best bang for your buck and a pleasant first experience.[/quote]

Sure thing. I really missed on that. I prefer music on warm side. I usually listen to Jazz, blues, classical. Heavy metal is out of equation as i personally cannot stand it. Too much for me... I already have a dedicated computer (windows) with ample storage capacity. I also have ipads that I can use. I usually play and prefer to play CD quality music (lossless, hi-res files). I believe that mp3s are great if I want to save on hard drive space, but they come at compromise on quality. I usually do not use mp3. I have subscription to Spotify that I use to stream music. In addition, I also listen to instrumental music also. Originally I was looking at Sony HAP-S1 or HAP-Z1ES. But then the idea of an external stand alone DAC and the fact that I already have a dedicated computer to rip and store music changed my mind. [/quote]

Thank you, that helps plenty. I'm going to assume for a minute your not interested in DSD files. Given your choice in music and preference for warmth, let's see what we can do.

Actually the Sony Hap is a pretty good unit for warmth so don't discount it. To stream the files, you can go cheap with like a chromecast unit, many here love them. Many like the Bluesound Node 2 also. There are literally hundreds of units out there to stream files with but those 2 seem to get the most play. Cambridge audio also makes a real good streamer. You want something that has a good UI, user interface, software that's pleasant and easy to use and setup.

Warmer dacs....Musical fidelity M1, Cary Xciter, The Marantz mentioned a few posts up, also dacs from Rega /Peachtree/ bryston, Sony, and a dozen or so more will trend on the warmer side of neutral. Really though, the choices are endless and used will fall into your budget, except maybe the Bryston. I would give the first 2 I mentioned a preference though. Hundreds of dacs out there to choose from though.

You would also need some warmer sounding cables, a digital coax going into the dac and a pair of RCA interconnects coming out. Brands that trend on the warmer side are MIT, Acoustic Zen, Kimber, Wireworld, Harmonic technology, Cardas, just to name a few. Specific series we can talk later as some series within a brand can be warmer or cooler.

Hope that helps you get started in your search. Read up some in our digital section for more, and if you have further questions we are here to help you. Rock on....

dhart86

Hey Dhval
I had the sony HAP-Z1ES. A nice player if you get it at a good price, The music sound pretty good coming thru it. However, I found the playback features limiting.

I preferred the computer based system. Using J River soft wear to organize and play my music was the best source for me. The JRiver will store your music collection in flac, much better sounding than mp3 but doesn't use the storage space of a CD (wav) file.

If you don't mind using your computer, J River also has a (gizmo app that you can download on a tablet and use as remote.

I highly recommend this route to music storage and playback. Save a lot in cost, use the money to get a better DAC and your music is all at your fingertips

PS Audio Perfectwave Dac MK II is an excellent (used) dac I find
GLWS

jumpindick

Guys, thanks a million for everyone's feedback. I really appreciate it. I will certainly read up more (i have already started that) to decide which way to go.

So far, I am tilting towards using computer/tablet to store the music, and potentially investing into a better quality DAC. I was not a believer in cables, but the changes that I saw in my HT system by using well received power cable and speaker cables, I now stand corrected. I will definitely get a better quality interconnect for the system.

Darren, that PS Audio DAC did draw my attention yesterday night (Superbowl was not intense for me in the first half-- yeah I am a fan of Pats...), just a bit too expensive for me if I get new. But if I find used, certainly I will jump on it.

Thank you again all for your help and support.

dhart86

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/da-converters-ps-audio-perfectwave-dac-ii-pwd-ii-d-a-converter-2017-02-06-digital-80020-broomfield-co

Offer $1200

You'll thank me later!

jumpindick

@dhart86 -- Darren, thanks and made offer. Let's see.

dhart86

Good luck!

halo

A lot of good advice here Dhavel.

Another log for the fire...I have the ELAC Discovery Music Streamer and I like it. It is a "stand alone" unit for streaming music "without the computer." I have music files on a USB drive connected to the back of the device, it comes with a lifetime subscription to Roon essentials, and it supports Tidal as well (not hi-rez DSD).

If CD quality is good enough, you can pair a DAC with a SONOS Connect. With both the SONOS & the ELAC, the GUI is very intuitive and easy to use.

I have the ELAC connected to both my P5's analog inputs and through the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC &, surprisingly, I prefer it straight to the P5.

I'm sure a lot of this is system dependent and highly subjective as we all perceive things differently.

recoveryone

post a pic please!!