The Next Step

[widespreadpanic]

I am now interested in listening to content through streaming. Access to millions of tracks. How could I not want that? What do I do people? Pay for a streaming service and buy a streaming device. Which ones do I get? If the streaming provider doesn’t offer the highest quality audio available I do not want to consider it. If you know, please share your knowledge. Thank you for your consideration.

[creimes]

Most of us here anyhow seem to use Tidal, I've been subscribed to Tidal for about three years now, I use it through, the following devices, smartphone and/or tablet to my Anthem PWAMP through Play-Fi app, on my PC to my headphone setup(Schiit Modi 2 & Magni 3) and also either my Mac Mini or NVIDIA Shield TV to my XMC-1, if you have a PC or Mac kicking around you just download the desktop app and connect the Mac or PC USB to the rear USB port of the XMC-1.

Emotiva has these nice USB cables for a wicked price, I use three of them

www.ebay.com/itm/Emotiva-Audio-MUSB2-0-1-Cable/333276820780?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Also you can actually stream Tidal through the Oppo using a Smartphone or Tablet with the Oppo app it's actually really handy to do that as well.

[tropicallutefisk]

There are probably a million different setups you could choose for streaming music. Currently I stream Tidal through a Cambridge CXN Streamer. It was a very easy way for me to get started. It allows me to stream as well as pull music from my library that I store on a NAS. Its nothing fancy, but is also pretty much a plug and play solution. Also, I can browse and select music from Tidal and my library with the Cambridge app on my phone.

My next venture will be a stand alone DAC connected to a PC. The dual Wolfsons in the Cambridge are good DACs, but I'm always looking for a new toy and this is where I am likely to find my next step up for my system.

[geeqner]

If you want to go the "No-Brainer" route - do what I did:

• Pick-up a BlueSound Node 2i (around $500).
• Patch its Line-Level Outputs into a spare input on your Pre / Receiver
• I plugged mine into my Hard-Wired Network (this was even SIMPLER than WiFi setup - My iPad Mini found it when the App was started)
• Download the App
• Power it up

Setup took less than 30 minutes to get started
(I have only scratched the surface of what can be done with it - but I like the simplicity.)

BlueSound is affiliated with NAD - another audio company with a similar design / pricing approach to Emotiva

App is VERY intuitive / easy to use
Their Customer Support (lifetime included with device) is supposed to be OUTSTANDING (but I have not needed to use it [yet])
Device is VERY compact - easy to "tuck-in" to my A/V Equipment shelf
Supposedly can work with Roon if you want the features that it offers (but their standard App is awfully nice)
Several Digital Outputs if you want to use an upgraded DAC (but the built-in one is pretty darned good as it is...)
Allow you to access your Digitized collection on Home Network if you have one
Access to Tidal
Access to Free on-line Radio Stations
Allows high-qualify HD Bluetooth streaming from wireless devices (friends bring their music on iPhone, etc.)
Provides a portal that can run remote BlueSound Speakers in other rooms, if desired
Can be controlled via Alexa and/or Siri Voice
NO need to run a PC or Mac and deal with all of the O.S.-B.S.

If you're also due for a Pre-Amp or Receiver Upgrade - NAD has several models that Include the BlueOS Module, or where it can be added.
(The "Module" adds the same functionality and direct integration to the unit that it is plugged-into / without requiring a stand-alone unit.)

[widespreadpanic]

Does ROON not play music itself? Does it have to access music from other sources?

[Soup]

or u can use a microRendu with JRiver Media Center 25. Works awesome me!