Change of plans: I think I only need a streamer

[nicoff]

I was going to suggest a Logitech Squeezebox Touch as someone suggested before me. But if google audio Cast has digital output, that might work and be even cheaper. And while on the cheaper side of things, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on digital cables. Any well-built digital cable will work fine.

[BuffaloBill]

My best and simplest streamer is my iPhone.

[Killergurt]

So I am really trying to get to the bottom of this, I hope that someone can answer this:

Will using chromcast connected via a toslink to my Mc DAC yield the same results as any $5000 streamer connected in the same way?

Again, I am talking about streaming only.

[Rex Anderson]

In theory, audio quality should be based on source resolution (is it 16 bit, 44.1 kHz sampling CD quality or better) and DAC sound quality. And of course everything after that.

If you are hosing digital audio around via SPDIF (Toslink or coax) or AES and use cables properly designed to do that, you should get bit perfect audio.

I use an iPad to play streamed music or CD's ripped to iTunes. That source feeds an Apple Airport Express that has a Toslink optical output that feeds the D/A in my Bryston SP2. This methodology has been tested to be bit perfect.

To get higher resolution (like from Tidal), you need hardware that can handle the format.

https://www.audiostream.com/content/...ding-explained

http://audiophilereview.com/cd-dac-d...dal-rules.html

[Killergurt]

Originally Posted by Rex Anderson

In theory, audio quality should be based on source resolution (is it 16 bit, 44.1 kHz sampling CD quality or better) and DAC sound quality. And of course everything after that.

If you are hosing digital audio around via SPDIF (Toslink or coax) or AES and use cables properly designed to do that, you should get bit perfect audio.

I use an iPad to play streamed music or CD's ripped to iTunes. That source feeds an Apple Airport Express that has a Toslink optical output that feeds the D/A in my Bryston SP2. This methodology has been tested to be bit perfect.

To get higher resolution (like from Tidal), you need hardware that can handle the format.

https://www.audiostream.com/content/...ding-explained

http://audiophilereview.com/cd-dac-d...dal-rules.html

OK, thank you for that. I just ordered an Apple Airport Express (2hr delivery) and will do just that.
If the streaming quality equals that of my MB50, there is no reason for me to keep the MB50.
If I understand it correctly, I do lose the ability to play Hi-Res files and MQA by using this method.

[Poppyhome]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

So I am really trying to get to the bottom of this, I hope that someone can answer this:

Will using chromcast connected via a toslink to my Mc DAC yield the same results as any $5000 streamer connected in the same way?

Again, I am talking about streaming only.

Digital streaming audio quality is subjective. You should try the $35 Chromecast and A/B to the McIntosh MB50 and report back your findings using Tidal.

I'm curious.

[SAPHANA]

My 3 systems use different streamers and DACs:
- Oppo 105D (Tidal)
- Mac Mini & Oppo 205 (Audirvana+, Roon)
- Intel Nuc & Marantz NA8005 (JRiver, Roon)

I know they are all cheap stuff, but I am not a believer of dedicated expensive streamers.

[JMD]

See if you can find a dealer that still has an Auralic Aries Mini in stock or look for a used one. Far superior in my testing to the Node 2 with much better software. It is not discontinued but Auralic has temporarily stopped production of it and the standard Aries until they catch up on the demand and pre-orders for their new G2 series products. It has a built in DAC just to have one though to me not great sounding. Also allows for adding an internal HD for onboard storage. They are in high demand on the used market and usually don't last more than a day or two at most.

[Killergurt]

Originally Posted by JMD

See if you can find a dealer that still has an Auralic Aries Mini in stock or look for a used one. Far superior in my testing to the Node 2 with much better software. It is not discontinued but Auralic has temporarily stopped production of it and the standard Aries until they catch up on the demand and pre-orders for their new G2 series products. It has a built in DAC just to have one though to me not great sounding. Also allows for adding an internal HD for onboard storage. They are in high demand on the used market and usually don't last more than a day or two at most.

Thank you Jack.
Are you able to stream Spotify to the Aries Mini? I was also considering its larger sibling, the Auraluc Aries, which I know can stream Spotify, but is also much more expensive.

[Rex Anderson]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

OK, thank you for that. I just ordered an Apple Airport Express (2hr delivery) and will do just that.
If the streaming quality equals that of my MB50, there is no reason for me to keep the MB50.
If I understand it correctly, I do lose the ability to play Hi-Res files and MQA by using this method.

Be aware you need a Female TOSlink/Male 1/8" Plug adapter to go out of the 1/8" jack on the back of the Airport Express.

I got a standard Toslink cable and an adapter from Blue Jeans Cable.

https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store...udio/index.htm

https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/adapters/index.htm

Setting up the Airport Express was a bit frustrating, but once I got it going it has been pretty stable. If power goes out, you might need to reset it, I did and it takes a bit of time to re-boot. Other than that, it's inexpensive and sounds good IMO. Way better than the analog line out of the iPad.