Change of plans: I think I only need a streamer

[JMD]

Yes it streams Spotify since the last firmware update the first of the year. It would always do it with Airplay before.

[Rex Anderson]

The output of the Airport Express (via Toslink) should go to the DAC in your C2600 preamp, not to the MB50 streamer.

The output of the MB50 steamer should also go to a digital input on the C2600.

You need to compare the Airport Express to the MB50 by not going through the MB50.

You also need to make sure the sources are level matched. If the output of the MB50 is louder than the Airport Express (which has no level control), you will think the MB50 sounds better. Tough job to A/B the two using the same source material and get them level matched within 1/10 of a dB.

[Killergurt]

Originally Posted by Rex Anderson

The output of the Airport Express (via Toslink) should go to the DAC in your C2600 preamp, not to the MB50 streamer.

The output of the MB50 steamer should also go to a digital input on the C2600.

You need to compare the Airport Express to the MB50 by not going through the MB50.

You also need to make sure the sources are level matched. If the output of the MB50 is louder than the Airport Express (which has no level control), you will think the MB50 sounds better. Tough job to A/B the two using the same source material and get them level matched within 1/10 of a dB.

Hi Rex,

Thank you, I did not go through the MB50 :-)
Everything was set up exactly like you said, connected directly to the C2600, one to OPT1 and the other to OPT2, so that I can switch quickly.

The MB50 was definitely louder like you said, I do not know how to level match but I definitely heard sound quality differences.

[Rex Anderson]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

Hi Rex,

Thank you, I did not go through the MB50 :-)
Everything was set up exactly like you said, connected directly to the C2600, one to OPT1 and the other to OPT2, so that I can switch quickly.

The MB50 was definitely louder like you said, I do not know how to level match but I definitely heard sound quality differences.

It's well known in audio that we always think louder sounds better.

Not distrusting what you hear and don't know why one would be louder than the other. Just want to make sure you are doing a fair test to not fool yourself.

Were the sound quality differences enough to justify the price difference? Under $100 vs $2,000?

[jayvis]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

Hi Rex,

Thank you, I did not go through the MB50 :-)
Everything was set up exactly like you said, connected directly to the C2600, one to OPT1 and the other to OPT2, so that I can switch quickly.

The MB50 was definitely louder like you said, I do not know how to level match but I definitely heard sound quality differences.

Killergurt, I'm assuming that you set your MB50 to fixed output mode to use your preamp as its volume control. I found that it makes a difference.

[Poppyhome]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

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.

Hey Killer, it's usually best to apply your budget to quality equipment first. I would never substitute equipment for cables.

I did the opposite and sold all my crazy cables. Cable tweaking should be done later if your so inclined.

[Nacho]

Take a look to Fidelizer Nimitra.

[Rex Anderson]

Do another listening test with the Airport Express trying to get it level matched with the MB50.

Even if you don't have an SPL meter, you can use your ears and play the same song from both sources and find where the volume level is as close as possible. Switching won't be as fast, but you can spend more time evaluating one source, then switch to the other, adjust volume and listen again.

As a professional recording engineer, I made sure my listening tests removed as much bias as possible. Comparing two sources that are not level matched is a not a valid test.

I agree with Poppyhome. Expensive cables are the last thing on the list of upgrades.

Good quality cable from Mogami, Belden, Canare etc is what most audio professionals use.

Vendors like Redco and Blue Jeans Cable can provide you with custom lengths of any type you need for interconnect or speaker cable.

[jayvis]

Originally Posted by Rex Anderson

It's well known in audio that we always think louder sounds better.

Not distrusting what you hear and don't know why one would be louder than the other. Just want to make sure you are doing a fair test to not fool yourself.

Were the sound quality differences enough to justify the price difference? Under $100 vs $2,000?

Were the sound quality differences enough to justify the price difference? Under $100 vs $2,000?
This question could be asked about every audio component on the market and only we as individuals can answer it. The low cost solutions have always had an important place in the hobby and it's well known that very small incremental sound quality improvements usually cost a lot of money. Although sound quality is paramount, there are other emotionally driven factors that play a part in our purchasing decisions. To the majority of people fortunate enough to assemble very expensive systems, a $500-$2,000 price difference is usually justifiable. All that aside, the Airport Express should not even be a consideration for the OP's audio system, in my opinion. I wouldn't place a Kia Optima in the middle of my Corvette collection.

[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.