Mb50

[bart]

Originally Posted by eljr

If I want to stream Spotify do I need to use the Play-Fi app or will the mb50 appear in the Spotify app as does Alexa, Google and Yamaha streamers?

and it has no drop outs while doing this??????????????????????????????????????????

Ed, you don't want to stream Spotify, you'll want the considerably better sounding Qobuz.
My daughter has a Spotify account, and believe me, even on a cheap system or in the car you hear the difference.

I'm not a McIntosh connoisseur, but I've heard the MB50 a couple of times, and it sounded pretty good.

[crwilli]

I agree with Bart. I would add this - don’t spend money to stream Spotify in your system. Save that money and stream Qobuz.

You will thank us later.

[eljr]

Originally Posted by crwilli

I agree with Bart. I would add this - don’t spend money to stream Spotify in your system. Save that money and stream Qobuz.

You will thank us later.

I never used Qobuz, I got upset with Tidal (I don't recall why) and enjoyed Primephonic.

Spotify is soooooooooooooo easy which is why I recently settled with it.

Generally I use a couple different services at a time. I am up to trying Tidal again, maybe add Qobuz too. Let me see how my streamer search goes.

[bart]

Ed, Primephonic is also a very good service, but not yet supported by Roon, nor by most of the "decent" streamers.
For now, you have to work your way around with a computer which is what most audiophiles try to avoid.

Qobuz is also soooooo easy.
It offers more choice in classical, sounds a little bit better, and the booklets are always provided. Which I why I dumped Tidal after having used both services side by side for 18 months.

[eljr]

Originally Posted by bart

Ed, Primephonic is also a very good service, but not yet supported by Roon, nor by most of the "decent" streamers.
For now, you have to work your way around with a computer which is what most audiophiles try to avoid.

Qobuz is also soooooo easy.
It offers more choice in classical, sounds a little bit better, and the booklets are always provided. Which I why I dumped Tidal after having used both services side by side for 18 months.

Good to know. I don't like Tidal or Spotify because classical is more of an after thought with them.

[eljr]

Is the MB-50 a MQA-enabled DAC?

[bart]

Ed, I just looked at the specs, and see that the MB50 only does wireless. I prefer ethernet I must say.
If you already own a good DAC, you could also look at a pure streamer that will send its bits to your DAC.
No money wasted on the unnecessary DAC, it can all be invested in the streamer part.
I'm thinking of the dCS bridge as a top notch option.
Or the Grimm MU1 if you can stretch...

[jayvis1]

Originally Posted by bart

Ed, I just looked at the specs, and see that the MB50 only does wireless. I prefer ethernet I must say.
If you already own a good DAC, you could also look at a pure streamer that will send its bits to your DAC.
No money wasted on the unnecessary DAC, it can all be invested in the streamer part.
I'm thinking of the dCS bridge as a top notch option.
Or the Grimm MU1 if you can stretch...

The MB50 can be hardwired to your network via a USB-to-Ethernet adapter (not included). The recommended adapter is a Monoprice USB 2.0 ethernet adapter that costs about $15. Don't get caught up in the DAC and Hi-Res hype. Let your own ears be the judge on what streamer and streaming services to use in your system.

[bart]

Originally Posted by jayvis1

The MB50 can be hardwired to your network via a USB-to-Ethernet adapter (not included). The recommended adapter is a Monoprice USB 2.0 ethernet adapter that costs about $15. Don't get caught up in the DAC and Hi-Res hype. Let your own ears be the judge on what streamer and streaming services to use in your system.

Good to know about the adapter route!

I thought that a streamer didn't matter that much, until I compared a couple of them side by side, in the same system.
I think it is even more than or at least as important as the DAC.
I totally agree: only your ears will tell what you like best.

[eljr]

I came across this, it seems to fit my need perfectly.

Thoughts?

Bel Canto - e.One DAC 2.7 DAC/Preamplifier
DAC

https://belcantodesign.com/home/eone/dac-2-7/