Streaming....where are you at along your journey?

treitz3

With streaming, I have read a plethora of comments. Be it, it is background noise to it competes with CD quality.

Let's have a rational discussion to see where you are at along your audio journey now.

We know full well what it brings to the table. That is convenience. No flipping records, no getting up to change a CD.

That aside.....where are you at along your streaming journey and how does it compare to other sources within your system?

Please keep in mind, everyone is at their own pace when it comes to streaming. Please do not disparage or ridicule anyone who responds.

What do you yearn from streaming? What are your woes? Is their anything else you would want from this format?

Tom

Wardsweb

My journey has been years and a slow progression of improvement. From the early days of computers with JRiver or Foobar200. On to the Auralic mini and upgrades to the first Altair to later versions with better DACs, interfaces and ease of use. From early MP3 players to Flac and DSF files. Each generation of software brought more detail, less noise and, in turn, more enjoyment.

My current Auralic Altair with a 3T drive of local music, Tidal and Qobuz offer an endless choice of music. Their Lighting DS interface is simple, easy to use and has many options on how you want to see your music or sort it.

displayname

My streaming gets a lot of use, but it isn't my primary and it's where I have the lowest amount of cash invested.

I keep thinking about moving to a separate streamer and DAC (currently using CXN), but by the time I look at those things, something like the Technics 1200G looks more appealing.

Eventually I'll probably move to a different all in one unit. I will add that Tidal Connect is a hard deal breaker for me. It's just too easy, so I keep it in the system.

motorstereo

I'm using a Cambridge Audio streamer that I bought from the for sale section of this forum about a year a half ago. It get used daily while my cd player and tt both sit and collect dust. I have no desire to move away from it either sideways or up.

newbie308

Until very recently, the only time I played music via a streaming service was when I spend time working in my shop. I use a pair of Aomais GO Bluetooth speakers and play Pandora. It's not much for sound quality, but with the lathe and mill running that doesn't really matter. I like that the Aomais speakers link and provide actual stereo left and right channels, and they are loud enough that I can rock out while making parts.

My latest venture into streaming started a little over a week ago. I picked up a Bluesound Node 2 at an unbelievable price and down the rabbit hole I went... The linear power supply upgrade is on its way and yesterday I ordered a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 200 so I can stream and decode MQA. I also have a 2T USB SSD hard drive coming that I will plug into the USB jack on the Node, so I can play the music files that I ripped from CD. This is a contingency for when my internet has issues.

Clipdat

I've nearly lost count of how many streaming transports/DACs I've tried/reviewed in my system.

Daphile Linux streaming PC
Cambridge Audio CXN V2
Cambridge Audio 851N
Cambridge Audio MXN10
Lumin U1 Mini
Yamaha WXA-50
SVS Prime Wireless Soundbase
NAD C388 with BluOS streaming module
Musica Pristina A Capella III
Matrix Audio Element i2
Aurender A100 & A200
Auralic Vega G1

stangman67

I’m pretty content but I’m not searching for perfection. My NSD Intenso DAC is on its last leg though, screen has gone out and it cuts out and requires a Raytheon Reset from time to time. Will need to look at a new DAC soon

Clipdat

Lol what is a "Raytheon Reset"? Power cycle? I've never heard that before.

stangman67

Clipdat wrote: »

Lol what is a "Raytheon Reset"? Power cycle? I've never heard that before.

Yup, power cycle. Common term we use in the military as Raytheon builds a lot of our stuff and the common fix is just a power cycle, hence Raytheon Reset.

treitz3

Daggum, Drew. That's 4 times the amount of streamers I have tried. I have heard more but not in my own rig.

Of those that you listed, if you don't mind sharing your thoughts, which one would be your favorite for sound and which one would have your favorite operating app/system?

Tom

Jetmaker737

Surprisingly to me, streaming is now my #1 source. I have a PS Audio Directstream Jr that's a few years old now along with Qobuz and Roon, and FLAC rips of my CD collection.

About 5 years ago I went down the RtR rabbit hole seeking the best analog SQ. I acquired a lot of prerecorded 2- and 4-track tapes over that period. They're fun to collect and many of them are fantastic recordings. However, many are not, and the selection is limited. After getting new speakers earlier this year I wanted to try them out on a variety of music so did a lot of streaming, and I found that I get better, more consistent SQ from good recordings via streaming.

Streaming will be my main focus going forward. I would really like to get some tubes into that mix... someday.

Clipdat

treitz3 wrote: »

Daggum, Drew. That's 4 times the amount of streamers I have tried. I have heard more but not in my own rig.

Of those that you listed, if you don't mind sharing your thoughts, which one would be your favorite for sound and which one would have your favorite operating app/system?

Tom

Geez, that's a good question. Favorite for sound would probably be Vega G1 or Aurender A200. Followed closely by MXN10 as it is just stunningly good for $500.

Favorite app is pretty easy, Aurender all the way, no contest.

maxward

Just got an email from Cambridge. The functionally identical AXN10 is $50.00 off right now. $449.

Dr_Wu

Been very happy w/Qobuz to Lumin U2 MIni and Chord Qutest DAC. Regenerated power, LPS to all components, RAL cables, ER w/After Dark clock.
I also run an analog chain that is completely separate. But, probably don't use it more than 5% of the time.

stangman67

Tom,

Leave it to you to post this up at the perfect time. With a DAC on the fritz, I took a small step forward (I hope). Something I’ve wanted to try for awhile, bought a Denafrips Pontus 15th.

Been very very happy with my streaming setup to include the NSD Intenso, but it is fading fast and no better time than the present….


-Zach

jonicont

Had a Squeezebox touch for many years. Got a CXN V2 5 years ago basically to preview new releases before buying the vinyl. Well, with the increase in record prices, I’ve become more selective in what I buy. I’m also liking the convenience (just turned 70 and getting a little lazy). Anyway, I always found the CXN a little too clinical. Just picked up an Eversolo dmp A8. Has plenty of detail but a warmer sound and a wider soundstage. The Qobuz interface in the app is excellent. I’m not using the pre amp function.

audioluvr

I've got the Gustard X26 Pro DAC streaming through Tidal on my phone. Pretty happy with that. I've tried playing CD's using my Denon DVD player as a transport but I just don't find it's an improvement in SQ. Could just be my ears are not what they used to be though. I think to step up from where I'm at I'd have to upgrade amps/speakers and I'm not in the mood for that.

jdjohn

Interesting that no one has expressed a hard preference toward a particular streaming service.

My primary streaming service is Spotify premium, which is reportedly not as good as Qobuz. But, I am quite satisfied with Spotify premium for pure streaming. There...I said it. If I want a REALLY good digital version of an album, I will either: 1) find a CD, and rip FLAC files, or 2) download a hi-res version from HDTracks.

For reference, my streamer/player is an Innuous ZEN MkIII, feeding into a Benchmark DAC3/HGC.

nooshinjohn

Qobuz streaming from pc or IPad through my Simaudio 680d DSD to the McIntosh C2300 is by far the best sound I have heard in my home. I keep telling myself I will play a record again, but only one a handful have seen a stylus touch their grooves in two years.

Polkitup2

I use an Aurender N200 server with a T+A DAC 200. I can no longer tell the difference between streaming from QoBuz and playing a local file. It sounds that good. What really helped was to use an ifi LAN silencer. I use an inexpensive but well built ethernet cable and use a simple PS Audio duet power conditioner on the modem and router.

gyosa

I’ve had 3 Yamaha wxc-50’s , then replaced one with a Cambridge 851n. Replaced the 851 with an Eversolo DMP-A8 , then replaced a wxc-50 with a Eversolo DMP-A6 …. So currently, A8, A6 and wxc-50 in use …..

Love both the Eversolos.

Using Tidal.

Bk

VR3

This is my current streaming setup start to finish and I'm pretty tickled with the results. I ordered tubes to roll in the abbas but just have never felt the urge to change them yet



Optical in from road
3 x Dedicated 20 amp circuits

Provider provided ont
>Audiolund true silver Ethernet Cat8 and audiolund reference DC power cable

Netgear MK83 Tri Band Mesh router hub
>Audiolund true silver Ethernet Cat8 and audiolund reference DC power cable
> Netagear devices powered by Teradak W200 linear power supply with Audiolund Reference PC

Etheregen switch
UpTone js2 power supply with UpTone DC cables
>Audiolund Signature PC

Abbas external 10mhz tube clock
>Audiolund Xtreme 1.5M Digital Cable with BNC ends
>Audiolund Signature PC

Network acoustics muon filter and cable
> Netagear devices powered by Teradak W200 linear power supply with Audiolund Reference PC

Mini dsp sdh
UpTone js2 power supply with UpTone DC cables
>Audiolund Signature PC
>Audiolund Xtreme 1.5M Digital Cable with BNC ends

Abbas 2.4se dac, 6sn7
>stock tubes
>Audiolund xtreme PC
> Audiolund Xtreme RCA Cables, 1m

billbillw

I pretty much decided that streaming locally hosted FLAC/DSD files was going to be my primary method for playback going back to the summer of 2017. I went "all in" with a dedicated DAC fed by a micro-PC based streaming setup (Daphile) which I still used today (after a few upgrades).
I sold off my favorite disc player (PD-D9) and haven't looked back. I still enjoy browsing through my stacks of CDs, but now, when I find one that I haven't listened to lately (or haven't ripped to my server), it goes to my PC instead of to the CD player. 10 minutes later, it is ripped and synced to the server and I can play it on my main 2-ch through Daphile, or through any of my TV setups with Plex (Plex is less than perfect, but convenient for casual listening).
I have tried some of the paid streaming services and they are a nice addition, but I have put a lot of effort (going back 20+ years) into creating a nicely curated collection of special mastered versions of my favorite albums. I have also taken the time to carefully rip those onto my file server with the correct tagging and folder structures. So, with that resource available, I tend to prefer my own local hosted streaming. I do stream Radio Paradise often, but that is for background listening typically.
I haven't gone bonkers into tweaking every connection or network interface along the path. I have always had a very solid/fast home networking setup which uses older enterprise equipment and I have decided that keeping it simple works best for me. I have a wired setup between my server, PCs, and everything else, but I have chosen to use WiFi6 to connect to my Daphile PC because it keeps it isolated. I am happy with how it sounds. Could there be room for improvement? Probably, but any money spent would be better used toward room treatments since my space is quite reflective. Priorities are often elsewhere though...
I would add: early on, I did several lengthy comparisons between what was playing out of my PD-D9 over analog outs vs the output of the Daphile streaming/DAC, vs the PD-D9 Digital out to DAC. At that time, I thought it was a toss-up and could not find any flaws in the Daphile playback vs the CD playback. There was a slight difference between the analog out of the PD-D9 vs the output of the DAC, but nothing I could pickup between the Digital output of the CD player vs Daphile playback using the same external DAC. That was enough to convince me there was no reason to hold onto a physical disc player...although, I still have my SCD-C333ES in a box here at the house.

Clipdat

maxward wrote: »

Just got an email from Cambridge. The functionally identical AXN10 is $50.00 off right now. $449.

Even better: https://tmraudio.com/components/music-servers-streamers/cambridge-audio-mxn10-compact-network-player-1-9/ $330 plus $27 shipping for the MXN10.

billbillw

I guess I didn't do any comparison to other sources, or go into what might be improved, etc. I'll say that my current streaming/DAC setup, after switching to a Denafrips DAC, far exceeds what I used to hear from my previous CD players, especially when I play back higher bitrate files (which are still only about 10% of my collection). I never had an uber-expensive player, but the PD-D9 was pretty well respected at the time (and still is).
Currently, I still have a turntable and phono stage in the mix, but I find when I play vinyl now, I can only enjoy it for a short time. Pops, clicks, etc. distract me. Even on my cleanest records, I can't say it ever sounds better than most of my digital files. Granted, I stopped upgrading my vinyl rig a long time ago and it has a lot of room for improvement, but it is still quite a bit better than the average setup. My shortcoming is probably with the quality of my actual vinyl collection. I have a handful of modern (early 2000s) audiophile pressings, a handful of vintage audiophile pressings, and some that just sound good for some unexplainable reason. However, most of my vinyl falls below that reference quality level. My daughter bought me a new double album pressing of ODESZA's "In Return" for Father's Day, and when I switch between that album spinning and my 24bit FLAC file, it is not even close. The FLAC is much more dynamic, detailed, and enjoyable. Granted, this is modern electronic music, which was probably produced on a Pro Tools workstation. I do find some older recordings are better on vinyl, but that is often because there isn't a good CD mastering.
If I think back to why I originally invested in a vinyl rig, it wasn't for superior playback quality, but it was to take advantage of inexpensive media. At that time, I could easily find decent records for $1-$2 each at thrift stores, eBay, garage sales, etc. A vast majority of my vinyl collection was purchased for less than $3 each with many coming under a buck (some bulk purchases). Those days are over, and I haven't acquired any new vinyl in close to 20 years, other than what was gifted to me. I don't see that changing. My vinyl is mostly boxed up in dry storage anyway. I moved 28 months ago, and haven't unboxed them yet. I keep waffling over selling the whole collection to a record store, but haven't managed get up the motivation for that. Part of me says it would be great to go through them in retirement and get back to cleaning and listening to them, but I think the passion is elsewhere now.
Ok, that ended up going on way longer than I expected only to say I prefer streaming over vinyl now.
My only other source in my current 2-ch system is an old Sony ES tuner and with the lack of quality FM broadcast these days, that can't hold a candle.
As far as improvements to streaming, there could always be improvements in the way files are accessed, information provided, tagging, etc. I struggle to get some of the obscure stuff to populate with Musician/recording information. I like to read bios, reviews, background information when listening. Most of the time, Daphile's Material Skin plugin does a great job of providing information, but sometimes, it just comes up with a blank.

Conradicles

I use the MXN10 and like it so far.

GlennDog

[quote="stangman67;c-2769754}Leave it to you to post this up at the perfect time. With a DAC on the fritz, I took a small step forward (I hope). Something I’ve wanted to try for awhile, bought a Denafrips Pontus 15th.
-Zach [/quote]

DOH . . . just seeing this . . . disregard PM .. . sorry to bug you

Tony M

I have a Firestick.

PSOVLSK

Tony M wrote: »

I have a Firestick.

I used a FireTV from the time I began streaming several years ago until about March of this year when I got an Aurelic Aries Mini. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

The Mini is fed into a Norma Revo DS-2 DAC/cd player which goes to a Norma IPA-140 (which I need to start a thread about). I use Amazon HD, music on the internal hard drive of the Mini, and music on my computer. I’m networking ignorant, so I’m sure my setup could be improved, but it sounds great to me.

Striker2237

I just picked one of these up since my local store had a floor model for a good price.

https://www.hifiroseusa.com/products/hifi-rose-rs250-wireless-network-streamer

treitz3

treitz3 wrote: »

That aside.....where are you at along your streaming journey and how does it compare to other sources within your system?

I haven't heard many people chime in with this inquiry (although, there have been some). This thread isn't only intended for streaming.

Love the responses so far . Lots of differing streaming devices and setups mentioned so far. Awesome!

Tom