re: Audiophile/Vinyl Thread - Post Pics, Advice, Questions, Setups, etc.

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TIDAL and Qobuz offer hi-res streaming. I use TIDAL.

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Thank you.
Then I think it would make sense for me to start with a streaming setup.

Thank you.


Here’s where I’m still getting confused.


What physical equipment do I need?
(Sorry I’ve been out of hi-end audio for awhile)

I would like to start with an integrated amp with no dac.


Do I need a dac and a streamer, or can I get one piece of equipment that has both?

Then how do I get the service? Tidal for example

Thank you Hebert.

Tidal doesn't do downloads. Think of it like listening to the radio, instead of playing CDs. (Except you have the entire library at your beck and call.) That's why you need something on your front end to connect to that service and stream it into your system, as the "source". Either an integrated amp that has it built in, or a dedicated streamer/DAC. It is a bit more complicated and more options for a system architecture than there used to be, so it's more confusing.

Re: Tidal, I think they now include the basic CD/lossless quality in the $10 tier. You can start with that and check it out, and move up if you find it necessary.

Neither the Musical Fidelity integrated amp or their CD/DAC has streaming capabilities. So, you need a streaming device like those mentioned previously: Bluesound Node ($600), Pro-Ject Stream Box S2 ($900), Cambridge Audio (2 models $1100-$1250), and others that can vary widely in price. Look on Direct Music for a slice of what's available.

If you want Tidal Hi-Res (MQA) you have to have a streamer or DAC that can unfold MQA. Qobuz Hi-Res and the other streaming services offering Hi-Res don't require this extra step since they are not compressed.

Paying your monthly fee to any of the streaming services gives you access to their entire catalog at the subscribed quality level, plus those below. So, if you subscribe to Hi-Res you also get CD quality offerings.

I’m talking about the Music Fidelity V90-BLU5 HD
Sells for $550

Would match that with the integrated amp and call it a day
(I hope)

M5si integrated amp $2000

Both should last “forever” if I can figure out this streaming shite! Lol

I’m
Old school and still believe in big heavy transformers and A/B amps that produce high current.

Not sold on class D stuff.

Ok

This what I need to know.

I’m stuck on the integrated amp.

But wide open to anything else

Yeh I’m hooked up via Ethernet

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I’m asking for the best audio sound that I can get from steaming And I’m ok with paying for it.

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Careful there now! There are a plethora of streamers, streamer/DAC pieces that are over $10K, and some over $30K.

THIS is what I would get…I listened to this streamer/DAC used as the source in a $700K MBL Reference rig—it was a pretty revealing player with flawless operation.


However, we all have opinions, and yours may vary.

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Baby Be Mine is my personal favorite that no one talks about

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How about that key drop mid song?