Can someone point me in the right direction with regard to streamers? I'm currently using Sonos. It's ok I guess but it operates via bluetooth and it doesn't have a USB output so my resolution is limited. (I think. I'm an idiot with this kind of stuff) I do have a DAC, a Mc D 100 which I'd like be able to fully utilize so my thought is, buying a stand alone streamer, no DAC to stream directly into the D100. Now the caveat, I really don't want to spend 3 grand to do this. Is there a good streamer with built in apps, that I can control from my phone that is good? I belong to a few FB groups and I always get recommendations that tell me to buy these fancy streamers DAC's that cost a fortune that I simply don't understand. I just want to listen around the house and use my phone to control it with better sound quality than I have now. I was looking at the Cambridge CXV2. It appears to do what I want, does it? Any good? Thanks fellas.
Streamer help.
- Thread starter Snappahead
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Doesn't have USB out.
jayvis
Addicted Member
I'm assuming that you mean the Cambridge Audio CXN V2, and yes, it's a very good streamer for the price, in my opinion. If you want an unassuming and stripped-down small box that can be hidden, the Wiim Pro or Bluesound Node are good places to start. As you work your way up the price ladder, you'll find streamers with more features like LED screens, abundant connection options, higher end internal DACs, power supplies, and operating systems if you want them. As in all things audio, it just depends on how much you're willing to pay and which one works best within your system.
It does, but I'm not getting very good resolution with coaxial or fiber optic cables. USB is alledgedly better.
I want it simple and to sound better than Sonos. I've tried different DAC's and they all sound the same to me. I have a few bluetooth adaptors and honestly, I can't tell any different between them, my Sonos and my DAC. I'm definitely missing something.
It sounds good, to me at least. But I feel I'm leaving something on the table. I was hoping for better.
I was thinking that, but I don't know a bitrate from a bacon bit. This is all Greek to me. When I ask questions I get more confused.
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
Sonos will operate via WiFi; you are not restricted to Bluetooth. It supports lossless CD quality audio.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play:1
Gen 2 Sonos devices support 24 bit audio.
There are many Sonos devices; which do you have?
Sonos was limited to CD quality (aka 16/44).
Your DAC can process higher resolution files. Up to 24/192.
Wiim delivers bit -perfect 24/192. It connects to your home data network via wifi or ethernet.
It will connect to your DAC via optical or coax, vs Bluetooth, which compresses the data, thereby reducing sound quality.
Buy one. See if it meets you needs. If not, return it.
Your DAC can process higher resolution files. Up to 24/192.
Wiim delivers bit -perfect 24/192. It connects to your home data network via wifi or ethernet.
It will connect to your DAC via optical or coax, vs Bluetooth, which compresses the data, thereby reducing sound quality.
Buy one. See if it meets you needs. If not, return it.
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I have an older Sonos Connect and a newer Sonos Port.
cpt_paranoia
Addicted Member
If you can't tell the difference between Bluetooth and your Sonos/DAC combo, then the problem lies in your source material (what is it?), or your hearing.
jayvis
Addicted Member
That's not unusual. The digital technical stuff can actually be a turn off to a lot of people. The best advice is to do what you can to try as many different streamers in your system as possible and let your ears tell you what's best. Unfortunately, some of us with faltering hearing and/or weak spots within our systems can have a hard time distinguishing sonic differences between components.
Well, honestly, I don't tell a difference when I listen to a CD through my DAC or not. I stream with Spotify. Had Tidal because everyone said it was so much better, it wasn't any better than Spotify. I also have a server which runs through the DAC. It all sounds the same. When I listen to a record or reel to reel, it's amazing. Everything else is just ok.
2 systems, each have Sonos and a DAC. They are listed on my signature. I think they are pretty well put together.
And/or the rest of the system.
Edit: flipped the phone sideways so I can see your sig. Or not on my above comment
At our age hearing is always a suspect
And/or the rest of the system.
Edit: flipped the phone sideways so I can see your sig. Or not on my above comment
At our age hearing is always a suspect
I'm sure my ears are suspect. However, in a quiet room, I can definitely hear the difference between components. I have an olde Mc CD player and a newer Oppo. The Oppo is nice but the MC is warmer, deeper, overall much better. It's just the DAC streaming stuff I'm not liking. Basically I've resigned myself to it's for convenience. My family room system is where I use it mostly. In the summer I use Zone 2 with speakers throughout the house and on the patio. Controlling it via my phone is really convenient. Down in my bar room, it's records, reel to reel, FM.