|
|
Post by AverageNiceGuy on Jan 15, 2024 22:59:08 GMT -5
I have an XDA-3 DAC and a pair of XPA-Dr1 Monoblock's that should be delivered soon. I have an Nvidia Shield still in the box and returnable, that I was thinking to use as a source with Amazon music. Now I'm starting to learn about Roon, and streamers without DAC's, and folks ditching Amazon for Qobuz... I've just seen a note that the Nvidia Shield is lacking as a streamer? So many options...  I'm hoping for solid advice on how best to put together high-quality stereo streaming digital feed to the new DAC and Amps. I would like to do something nice the first time. Help? Advice? I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to the new streaming technology. ifi zen stream? LUMIN U2 MINI luminmusic.com sMS-200ultra – SOtM – English sotm-audio.com ARIES G2.1 - Wireless Streaming Transporter - AURALiC - AURALIC auralic.com Primare NP5 Prisma MK2 | Roon Store roonlabs.com ropieee.codexwilkes.com/downloads/ropieee-installation-guide.pdf |
|
|
|
Post by audiobill on Jan 16, 2024 1:58:14 GMT -5
Just get a mac mini and subscriptions to Tidal, Qobuz and Roon. Done.
|
|
|
|
Post by swedishcaveman on Jan 16, 2024 2:39:04 GMT -5
I bought a secondhand MAC BOOK PRO. Installed Qobuz and Audirvana free trial period and now I am hooked. Audirvana takes control of the computer hard ware, if you allow it to do so and optimize it for audio streaming. I connect the MAC to my XMC2 via a quality USB cable. It can all be controlled from your favorite seat via smartphone/tablet app. At the same time I have a good enough computer to do DIRAC calibration and in the future do the set up of my new XMC2+.
|
|
|
|
Post by AverageNiceGuy on Jan 16, 2024 5:59:54 GMT -5
Thank you 👍
I'm thinking that I can do similar with a mini-PC and an Android tablet or smartphone?
|
|
|
|
Post by swedishcaveman on Jan 16, 2024 9:15:12 GMT -5
As long as you are computer and smart phone compatible you will be able to download and install with in minutes.Large RAM are better 8GB and up. I tried with a older Imac with only 2GB RAM and with HI res files I had audio dropouts. It got better with Audirvana installed, but not perfect. Now I have 16GB RAM in my MAC book pro and no problems.
I use Qobuz offline download feature when driving my car, saving my phone data. If you stream HI res audio over cell phone data network, you will use up your monthly limit in a short time.
|
|
|
|
Post by LuisV on Jan 16, 2024 12:55:54 GMT -5
Just get a mac mini and subscriptions to Tidal, Qobuz and Roon. Done. Raspberry Pi, Ropieee (free), Roon and done... USB out from Pi to DAC or Pi with SPDIF hat with digital COAX to DAC... either way works and if you can find the Pi on the cheap, even better. Ropieee: ropieee.org/SPDIF DAC Hat: amzn.to/3Hj5WPIRaspberry Pi: amzn.to/48zSfrL |
|
|
|
Post by audiobill on Jan 16, 2024 14:51:55 GMT -5
No Audirvana or rpi required, just run a usb cable from mac mini to dac, done. But lots of ways to complicate this if you prefer.
|
|
|
|
Post by audiobill on Jan 16, 2024 16:43:59 GMT -5
Just get a mac mini and subscriptions to Tidal, Qobuz and Roon. Done. Raspberry Pi, Ropieee (free), Roon and done... USB out from Pi to DAC or Pi with SPDIF hat with digital COAX to DAC... either way works and if you can find the Pi on the cheap, even better. Ropieee: ropieee.org/SPDIF DAC Hat: amzn.to/3Hj5WPIRaspberry Pi: amzn.to/48zSfrLLuis, i don't think an rpi can serve as a Roon Core......so it may be redundant. |
|
|
|
Post by LuisV on Jan 16, 2024 17:35:08 GMT -5
Agreed... no need to over complicate things. Based on the title of the post, I was simply providing am alternative for a streamer, or Roon Endpoint, as the use case for the Pi. It's cheap and works like a dream as an "streamer". You can always install Volumio on the Pi and be done with it.  |
|
|
|
Post by AverageNiceGuy on Jan 18, 2024 17:57:42 GMT -5
Thank you all for your help and advice.
I'm learning bit by bit.
I see Mac Mini is $400 - $500... I'll need to learn a bit more about interface with my current equipment.
All of my stuff is PC / Android ....
I will like the idea of using Roon interface with the PC / Android interface equipment that I have.
I'm really starting to like the Roon thing as it learns musical tastes and gives suggestions. I like that very much.
|
|
|
|
Post by AverageNiceGuy on Jan 18, 2024 18:00:40 GMT -5
... You can always install Volumio on the Pi and be done with it. Thank you.... I'm continuing to learn... I'm about to disappear into 12hr nightshifts... I should become human again in a few days. |
|
|
|
Post by Cogito on Jan 18, 2024 19:54:32 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by jdubs on Jan 22, 2024 15:35:22 GMT -5
At the risk of muddying the waters; all you need for streaming is a Wiim Pro. You have a couple of choices of digital out to your XDA-3. It has decent software, but can also be a Roon Endpoint if you decide you want to pay for better software. It has Spotify and Tidal Connect. It has Qobuz and Tidal built in (and I think Amazon and a buch of others).
I've gone A LOT of different directions with streaming, including computer USB, Roon Core, Raspberry Pi, Logitech Media Server, DLNA, etc.etc. The Wiim is the best solution beating some much more expensive options. I run one in my "second" system (see signature) and it's great. The TV has streaming so I just digital out to the XDA-3 (the HDMI Arc didn't want to cooperate) and switch inputs when I just want music. Sometimes I use the built in software of the Wiim, and sometimes I use it as a DLNA player. It works flawlessly either way. And it worked with Roon (which I have since dropped). I also have a Wiim Mini in my garage that runs my garage and outdoor speakers.
|
|
|
|
Post by AverageNiceGuy on Jan 22, 2024 19:22:13 GMT -5
Wow! Thank you all very very much for your help and advice.
I've been doing research and some thinking.
This is all helping me to think things through with patience and increasing wisdom and knowledge.
I am patiently waiting for the delivery of the XPA amps and XDA-3 DAC, and I'm enjoying my current system in the meantime.
I'm enjoying the journey, and you have helped me to avoid several expensive regrets already.
|
|
|
|
Post by AverageNiceGuy on Feb 2, 2024 17:14:21 GMT -5
Thanks again for all your help and advice.
Emotiva XDA-3 DAC, and XPA-DR1 Monoblock's received today. I am impressed.
First notice was fuller lows in female vocals. I especially like that sound.
This is a move up from a 20 year old Marantz Receiver 100 watts per channel.
This full sound in female vocals often distorts at louder volume, but not with this new setup.
I understand now what the Marantz “house sound” is. It is a nice sound. This new setup is a cleaner sound.
Now to work on speaker placement.
|
|
|
|
Post by Audiobliss on Feb 23, 2024 19:11:37 GMT -5
I second the Wiim Pro, I have been using one for six months, going into my XDA-3, and they are perfect together. Wiim gives you the most access to streaming services including Amazon HD.
|
|
|
|
Post by bobcel on Mar 1, 2024 22:46:55 GMT -5
I second the Wiim Pro, I have been using one for six months, going into my XDA-3, and they are perfect together. Wiim gives you the most access to streaming services including Amazon HD. Just bought a Wiim Pro, opposed to the pro+, as I am only using it as a streamer. Using the Coax out and Twonky server to my music collection. It Sounds Fantastic. Amazon Music streaming is perfect too. Cant believe how great this thing is for the price, big thumbs up |
|
|
|
Post by Audiobliss on Mar 3, 2024 13:06:27 GMT -5
Be sure to buy the remote, I didn't think I needed it for months, but it really makes your favorite selections easier to find and just makes using the Wiim much easier than going to the app.
I leave mine on 24/7 and it's always ready to go except when there is a update . The Wiim website is also great for information.
|
|
|
|
Post by bobcel on Mar 4, 2024 10:06:41 GMT -5
Be sure to buy the remote, I didn't think I needed it for months, but it really makes your favorite selections easier to find and just makes using the Wiim much easier than going to the app. I leave mine on 24/7 and it's always ready to go except when there is a update . The Wiim website is also great for information. Wasn't expecting it, but a remote was included with the pro. Have not used it yet and probably would have left it just sit! Thanks for the tip. Just starting to check out their website and forum. Great little streamer for sure. |
|
|
|
Post by AverageNiceGuy on Mar 5, 2024 18:45:23 GMT -5
|
|
