Lossless Streaming Comparisons.....
- Thread starter SWL3600
- Start date
I've been listening on stereo paired echo dots to AMHD... still getting things settled in my new house before I can set my system up.
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NeilBEN
Well-Known Member
I am hoping to figure out a way to stream high resolution - I use both Qobuz and Radio Paradise FLAC stream - and use my Bifrost 2. It has a USB input, and a TOSlink and a digital coax inputs, so it should be able to do this.
I will be trying a USB C to USB B cable with my phone, and with a Android tablet - is this all I need? Or, is there a better piece of hardware to do streaming? And of course the interface - Qobuz is okay, but not great, and RP will need to be supported.
I will be trying a USB C to USB B cable with my phone, and with a Android tablet - is this all I need? Or, is there a better piece of hardware to do streaming? And of course the interface - Qobuz is okay, but not great, and RP will need to be supported.
I am not sure if you can use an Android tablet to stream through the USB charging connector. I contacted Samsung with the same idea and they told me it is not possible with the Tab A. Not sure about other models. I do know that you can stream externally from an iPad USB/Fireware charging port. Some Android cellphones can do this but may require additional software. Here is an interesting video. Hope it helps:
The hardware choices are many. Just depends on what your budget is. A couple examples:
- a repurposed laptop or desktop PC running Daphile. If you already have an unused PC sitting around, Daphile is free to use, so cost of entry on this particular option can be pretty cheap. It supports Tidal and Qobuz, and RP, and can output from PC to your Bifrost via USB in hi res. Setup might be complex for some, but once up and running you can control it from an iPhone, tablet or another PC on your home network.
- Another solution that is easy to set up and run is the Bluesound Node 2i. It was on sale from the manufacturer at around $460 last I heard. Plays Qobuz, Tidal or Amazon HD in high res, and also supports RP. Has a built in DAC which is pretty decent, but you can output via coax to your Bifrost is desired. Controller app runs on Apple, MS or Android.
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IMO that would defeat the purpose of a streamer, streaming music is digital, a streamer needs to have the ability to “play” the music. Most come with digital outputs that bypass the internal DAC.
There are, but most of them cost as much or more than the Node 2i.
Yes, I am actually using an older iMac USB connected to my DAC. AmazonHD sounds great. Looking at an iPad to replace the iMac and have less wiring running throughout the living room.
NeilBEN
Well-Known Member
So, if you also have a CD player, that needs a DAC to sound decent, then you have to buy two DACs - one for the CD player and one in the streamer?
If a streamer is just an interface and a pass-through, then I am not sure how spending more money than a laptop makes any sense (for a unit that doesn't have a redundant DAC)? It looks like the Node 2i has you install an app on your phone to see anything - correct? So, it isn't even an interface.
If a streamer is just an interface and a pass-through, then I am not sure how spending more money than a laptop makes any sense (for a unit that doesn't have a redundant DAC)? It looks like the Node 2i has you install an app on your phone to see anything - correct? So, it isn't even an interface.
My Denafrips AriesII DAC has multiple digital inputs.
No, you use the same DAC.
Edit: most “affordable” streamers I know of are controlled by another device such as a phone or tablet.
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cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
One issue we have is that digital media allows many ways to slice and dice the system. Essentially, there are three elements; a Digital Media Server (local or remote), a Digital Media Controller, and Digital Media Renderer.
These three elements can be provided by one or more devices; all in one (an iPod, for instance), or all separate. We can even split the renderer into a network end point/digital renderer (converting a network stream to a PCM stream over SPDIF or USB), and a DAC.
How you choose to construct your digital media system depends on your preferences; there's no one 'right' answer.
Personally, I see the DMS, DMC and digital network endpoint part of the DMR as purely computing or network devices, with no 'audiophile' aspect. So my DMS is a NAS, I use PC/netbook programmes or phone/app as DMC, and cheap digital network endpoints (e.g. RPi). The DAC is the part that needs attention from good analogue design, and is the thing that has an effect on the sound (mostly due to the analogue processing stages in it).
I do also have a streaming receiver; a Denon N5, which is digital network endpoint, DAC and amp. It also provides a very rudimentary DMC, in that it can just about select music from my DMS. But that was £40, secondhand...
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NeilBEN
Well-Known Member
Right - so does my Bifrost 2. My point is then, that the DAC in the streamer is redundant.
My preference would be a hardwired streaming box, connected to my DAC, and controlled by an app on my phone.
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Which you can still do. That’s the way they are built for the market, we are the weird ones that want to do things different than the masses. Most people want the all in one box so that is what is built.
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cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Then I'd look to an RPi of some flavour, with suitable endpoint software/OS. As GChief says, the mass market is for all-in-one boxes. Even including amp, like my Denon.
imral3
Enjoy the musics!!
You've already identified the need for a second (stand-alone) DAC, to replace the CD player's internal DAC, in order to obtain good/better sound. Why is the streamer any different? Because it's new technology?
