First "foray" into streaming audio. Recommendations appreciated.

[BlueSky]

My wife wants to get me something for father's day and I am interested in getting involved in a networked audio or multimedia system that is more capable then what I am using now. Currently I am using an OPPO BDP-95 as a player/DAC for high-res audio and video files that are stored on a QNAP TS-879 PRO NAS. The BDP is connected via multi-channel analog cables to one of the inputs on my MX-150 processor with the video passing through one of the MX-150's inputs.

Although I can manage the OPPO's clunky interface via the on-screen display via the projector, I am not entirely happy with it. I'd like to be able to use some sort of laptop interface or, better yet, an Android tablet interface to connect wirelessly.

My first thought was that the BDP-2 might provide an acceptable 2-channel solution as a player if I could use the MX-150 as the DAC. As quite a few of the files I have are 192/24 high res and the OPPO can process them, I would like to use them if the MX-150's DAC can decode them. Does anyone know what the capability of the MX-150's DAC is?

Barring the ability to use the MX-150's internal DAC, I guess the other way to go is the BDP connected via an external DAC such as the Bryston BDA but I'd rather keep the system down to a single box.

Alternately, can anyone recommend a fully integrated solution (player/DAC) that I might consider.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

[Antonmb]

If you want to continue with NAS, there are several good network streamers with integrated DACs out there that you might consider. They would provide a one-box solution, and all of them have control apps for iOS and Android:
Marantz NA-11S1 (does DSD but only via USB input)
Lumin (Streams DSD 68)
Cambridge Audio StreamMagic 6
Musical Fidelity CLiC
Pioneer N50
Various Naim players
Various Linn players

The hardware and control apps for network streaming are pretty mature and robust these days, and if you decide on a separate streamer and dac, there are several options there as well.

Full disclosure, I recently went through this process myself, upgrading from a Squeezebox Touch feeding a Bryston BDA-1 DAC. I was also looking for a one box solution and staying with network storage, and ended up with a Linn Akurate DS and couldn't be happier with the results (well, maybe I could have been happier if I could have afforded the Klimax). Good luck in your search.

[Yamaki]

Your MX-150 can process digital signals up to 24 bit / 192 kHz.

You have a multitude of digital audio inputs, including AES/EBU, coaxial and optical.

This unit is also network capable so can be connected via Ethernet to your PC if you so desire.

When the MX150 and a PC Computer are connected to the same ethernet network, the Web Interface built into the MX150 becomes available. This allows Operational Control and Setup Mode Functions, for the MX150, to be available on the PC Computer for changes and adjustments.

If your Android device is Ethernet capable, via wireless, that can be used for your control operations.

I am not sure but some form of streamer between your McIntosh and the PC may be needed.

You may not need a BDP-2 as a player if you can use the web interface to control and play music through the MX-150.

[BlueSky]

Tony, Michael:

Thanks much for the food for thought. It's good to know there are nice one-box solutions as well as knowing the the MX-150 can do 192/24 audio should I go that route.

Choices, choices.......

[Yamaki]

One other connection available on the back of your unit is the USB input however it is not for audio or video use. It is there for you to back up your setup changes and custom settings on a separate drive just in case you have to reset the MX150.

One other streamer with android and iOS control is made by SimAudio, their MoonMiND 180. I use two of them and use them with the AES/EBU digital output to my external DAC. The DAC then feeds the pre-amp via XLR connections.

But as I said, maybe you already have what you need. With an ethernet connection and a switch, you can put both the PC and the MX150 on the network and possibly be able to control it all with your android device with no other boxes needed.

[djwhog]

An upgrade to the newer oppo 105 has a web tool interface so you can drive via the web or a nice apple etc app.

That would keep you in the same approximate cost while staying with a single box.

Other than that you can feed with a laptop, media player and then run the dac into it. I am not sure if you can do Oppo to laptop to mx150? I have the near same setup mx150 and the 95 and it sounds pretty decent, just as you say the interface is a little yuk, but if you can put a laptop in the middel and use a 3rd party app like media player etc then it is a entire new world of options too.

Have you called tech support at Oppo or does anyone know if that 2nd option I mention can be utilized?

[BlueSky]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I've narrowed it down to two players: the Linn Akurate DS and the Lumin. I just "test drove" the Linn at a local dealer and will check out the Lumin tomorrow.

Exciting stuff!

[-E-]

eSilentPC/Silenzio... then you get to avoid DLNA/uPNP completely (far superior sq).

[BlueSky]

Foiled again, Batman.... Another perspective well worth considering. Thanks much!

[John49]

Originally Posted by -E-

eSilentPC/Silenzio... then you get to avoid DLNA/uPNP completely (far superior sq).

I am sure this is covered somewhere, but how does one get an eSilentPC/Silenzio?