Change of plans: I think I only need a streamer

[Killergurt]

Hey guys,

Not too long ago I posted a question about how to set up a digital library and rip CDs.
Since then, I have come to the realization that I am not going to do that and instead will keep my CD's and listen to them on my Oppo 205. I just don't have the time and also, do not want to start setting up redundancy solutions to protect my files.

My reality is that I spend most of the time streaming music from Spotify and/or Tidal.
I wanted to get the best quality out of streaming music, so I bought the McIntosh MB50 streamer which I have been enjoying but it commands a very premium price.

I am thinking about returning it and switching to a cheaper solution that can give me good, high-quality streaming solution as well as the ability to connect to an external HD if I choose to do it in the future. I could put the rest of the money towards something else, like higher quality cables.

Since my system has a DAC that I would like to use (McIntosh C2600), I don't necessarily need one if that can lower the price.

So far, I have been able to identify a couple of inexpensive streamers but I was wondering if there was a anything else I was missing:

1. Node 2 - I had one, did not like it. Kept disconnecting from my Wi-Fi network and was completely unreliable.

2. Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) - don't know much about it but looks good on paper.

3. Oppo Sonica DAC - it will force me to use its DAC (no digital out) but looks like a high-quality device.

Should I be looking at anything else?

How important is it to buy a more expensive device if streaming is the main use? Does the quality go up? (again, if I use my existing DAC).

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

[Poppyhome]

It is important for most people who listen to music to run Ethernet Cat6 cabling from the router to your music system. Wi-Fi can be troubling for many people and Ethernet fixes that.

I personally use a Squeezebox Touch for my system and it works well for me.

Ron

[1KW]

Aurender N100H

[Poppyhome]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Aurender N100H

Killergurt expressed a less expensive solution though?

Ron

[Killergurt]

Originally Posted by Poppyhome

Killergurt expressed a less expensive solution though?

Ron

Yes, my point is, if I am going to mainly use this device for streaming, does it make sense to spend thousands?
I guess this is what I don't fully understand, the more expensive the device gets (assuming it gets higher in quality), does it improve streaming quality? Or can the most basic streamer match the quality of a very expensive one?

[Poppyhome]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

Yes, my point is, if I am going to mainly use this device for streaming, does it make sense to spend thousands?
I guess this is what I don't fully understand, the more expensive the device gets (assuming it gets higher in quality), does it improve streaming quality? Or can the most basic streamer match the quality of a very expensive one?

This can be as debatable as cables, so long as noise isn't noticeable or bothering you when you listening to music.

[eljr]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

Yes, my point is, if I am going to mainly use this device for streaming, does it make sense to spend thousands?

NO.

[jayvis]

"Yes, my point is, if I am going to mainly use this device for streaming, does it make sense to spend thousands"?

My question back is why did you decide to spend many more thousands on mono-block amps and a tube preamp for your 2-channel listening? I'm sure you could have spent quite a bit less and still experienced excellent sound quality. My point is, why all of a sudden become "practical" on what will be one of your main sources of 2-channel audio? I don't think the importance of source components in a system should be taken lightly and I believe they should be on par with the rest of the components in your system. I'd much rather "overspend" on a source component than on overhyped cables and other tweaks.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

Yes, my point is, if I am going to mainly use this device for streaming, does it make sense to spend thousands?

You can but you don't need to. You can get SOTA performance with a Sonore microRendu or ultaRendu. Just ask Chris Conaker of Computer Audiophile or Michael Lavorgna of Audiostream.

[Family Progtitioner]

I think the Sonos units are rock solid although they don’t do high resolution