Want to stream

[DonBattles]

So I've decided it might be time to step into the digital streaming arena. I'll first admit I'm completely ignorant on this subject but will attempt to explain what I'm after. What I would like to do is stream music but am not interested in media storage. My desktop PC and WiFi router are in a different part of the house than my 2-channel setup to direct connection is not really a option. My system should be familiar to most but for clarification I'm running a Luxman L590 integrated and D-05 CDP. The D-05 is a early production unit with digital IN/OUT being only COAX or OPT. based on reviews the D-05's DAC is pretty good so this should be considered for use.

What I would like to do is subscribe to a Hi-Resolution service (recommendations welcome) and stream content by WiFi from my laptop or maybe even a I-pad should I ever purchase one. As for the media player I could utilize the D-05's DAC or look for a solution that includes other options. For me the fewer pieces the better. Budget wise maybe $2-$2500, based on what "I think I understand".

Again, forgive my complete ignorance on the subject, I've been reading information online and of course here on AA and truth be told I'm still a bit confused. I'm pretty sure one of the many AA members knowledgeable on the subject can get me headed down the right path

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

So I've decided it might be time to step into the digital streaming arena. I'll first admit I'm completely ignorant on this subject but will attempt to explain what I'm after. What I would like to do is stream music but am not interested in media storage. My desktop PC and WiFi router are in a different part of the house than my 2-channel setup to direct connection is not really a option. My system should be familiar to most but for clarification I'm running a Luxman L590 integrated and D-05 CDP. The D-05 is a early production unit with digital IN/OUT being only COAX or OPT. based on reviews the D-05's DAC is pretty good so this should be considered for use.

What I would like to do is subscribe to a Hi-Resolution service (recommendations welcome) and stream content by WiFi from my laptop or maybe even a I-pad should I ever purchase one. As for the media player I could utilize the D-05's DAC or look for a solution that includes other options. For me the fewer pieces the better. Budget wise maybe $2-$2500, based on what "I think I understand".

Again, forgive my complete ignorance on the subject, I've been reading information online and of course here on AA and truth be told I'm still a bit confused. I'm pretty sure one of the many AA members knowledgeable on the subject can get me headed down the right path

You can stream using WiFi. But you want to make sure that you have a good WiFi signal in your stereo room.

One suggestion (there are others) is to use Roon as a media server. You can install Roon in your PC. But keep in mind that your computer needs to be on and Roon software open whenever you want to stream your music. Roon offers a free trial period.

For streamer service, I use Tidal. It provides CD quality files and it works very well with Roon. Tidal also has a free trial period.

As far as costs you are looking at:
Roon Subscription: $500 (lifetime) or $119 per year
Tidal $20 per month
Roon-Endpoint/Streamer: from $100 to several thousands. Incidentally, if you have an AppleTV you can use that as a Roon EndPoint/streamer.

Then you can connect your Roon Endpoint/Streamer to your DAC as you described.

You should be able to try it for free and see if it works for you.

[PHC1]

Oppo BDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player. $549. WiFi and Roon ready. All you need is a Roon and Tidal subscription and you are up and running. If you have a TV nearby your rack, you have a 4K player to boot. If not, you can always repurpose this fantastic 4k player for your tv needs and get into more elaborate streaming for 2 ch. The Oppo 203 has digital OUT but not IN. If you want to spend more money on the "audiophile" grade Oppo, the 205 model will offer more features. The Oppo 205 model is Stereophile Class A rated player for SACD/CD by the way.

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Oppo BDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player. $549. WiFi and Roon ready. All you need is a Roon and Tidal subscription and you are up and running. If you have a TV nearby your rack, you have a 4K player to boot. If not, you can always repurpose this fantastic 4k player for your tv needs and get into more elaborate streaming for 2 ch. The Oppo 203 has digital OUT but not IN. If you want to spend more money on the "audiophile" grade Oppo, the 205 model will offer more features. The Oppo 205 model is Stereophile Class A rated player for SACD/CD by the way.

Agree. The Oppo 203 and the Oppo 205 are both Roon-Ready Endpoints. You can connect either one to your DAC. But these players also have their own DAC in case you want to compare to the DAC that you currently own. I own the Oppo 205 and its DAC is excellent.

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Oppo BDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player. $549. WiFi and Roon ready. All you need is a Roon and Tidal subscription and you are up and running. If you have a TV nearby your rack, you have a 4K player to boot. If not, you can always repurpose this fantastic 4k player for your tv needs and get into more elaborate streaming for 2 ch. The Oppo 203 has digital OUT but not IN. If you want to spend more money on the "audiophile" grade Oppo, the 205 model will offer more features. The Oppo 205 model is Stereophile Class A rated player for SACD/CD by the way.

Dedicated 2 channel room with no TV nor plans to add one. Also keep in mind I already have the Luxman D-05 CD/SACD player which I will keep in the system.

[jayvis]

All of these are worth checking out. Bluesound Node II, Cambridge Audio CXN, Cambridge Audio Azur 851N, McIntosh MB50.

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by DonBattles

Dedicated 2 channel room with no TV nor plans to add one. Also keep in mind I already have the Luxman D-05 CD/SACD player which I will keep in the system.

That Luxman CD player could possibly be 8 year old technology. In the digital world that is ancient. You may be able to get the Oppo 205 from a place that accepts free returns and compare its capabilities as a player to what you currently have. The 205 has XLR stereo out also. Just a thought for your consideration.

[bart]

Don, your Luxman, an excellent device, has an optical in.
You could try streaming through a Google Chromecast Audio.
Connect it via a somewhat decent optical cable to your Luxman player.
Then get a free trial of Qobuz (Tidal doesn't work with Chromecast).
That's how I'm doing it for the moment.
To try streaming, a good friend recommended me so.
I thought that at the price of admission (39€ delivered), I couldn't go wrong.
Much to my surprise, it sounds very good.
Mostly comparable to CDs played through the same Burmester DAC, sometimes even considerably better (I took the hi-res subscription, so the quality of the remaster might play a role there).

I'm planning to upgrade my streaming gear, but in the mean time, I'm a happy camper!

[JMD]

Simple one box solutions that fall within your price range are the Auralic Aries (no DAC) or the Auralic Altair or Lumin D2 which both have DACs included but can be used without them. Slightly over the budget is the Aurrender N100 also no DAC. None of these involves using your laptop to stream. For the ones that need a hard wired internet connection you can use a wireless extender.

[DonBattles]

Originally Posted by nicoff

That Luxman CD player could possibly be 8 year old technology. In the digital world that is ancient. You may be able to get the Oppo 205 from a place that accepts free returns and compare its capabilities as a player to what you currently have. The 205 has XLR stereo out also. Just a thought for your consideration.

The D-05's digital chipset is based on Burr-Brown's PCM1792A, it will "extend" 16-bit/44.1kHz "Red Book" data to a depth of 24 bits. It;s actually, as far as I can find, the same chipset used in the current D-06u and D-08u. I find it very good, to my ears, especially with SACD playback. As a DAC I'm sure it would be bested by todays offerings. Anyway, I'm not trying to argue, I'm happy with the D-05 and have no plans to replace it. My focus here is on adding streaming capability, to help clarify where my head is (especially after more ready today) I'm thinking the Auralic Altair might be a good choice?