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.

[Family Progtitioner]

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

[rushca01]

I went with the node2. I know you said you had one and returned it but you may try a wired connection. Also, another thought and it’s super cheap is the google audio cast. It’s has an optical out so you can use your Mac DAC.

[Killergurt]

Originally Posted by rushca01

I went with the node2. I know you said you had one and returned it but you may try a wired connection. Also, another thought and it’s super cheap is the google audio cast. It’s has an optical out so you can use your Mac DAC.

Thank you, this is cool, I actually have one at home. I don't see optical on it though, only 3.5mm.

But this is a good example of what I was asking before: will streaming music through the Chromecast Audio sound the same as streaming it through an expensive streamer? Is anything done inside the device or is it only about the external DAC I am feeding it to?

[rushca01]

Originally Posted by Killergurt

Thank you, this is cool, I actually have one at home. I don't see optical on it though, only 3.5mm.

But this is a good example of what I was asking before: will streaming music through the Chromecast Audio sound the same as streaming it through an expensive streamer? Is anything done inside the device or is it only about the external DAC I am feeding it to?

The 3.5 also has an optical output and uses a mini tosklink. If you have a nice optical cable already the make converters to mini.

Since you have the Mac unit try a side by side before you send it back, just need a mini toslink.