I'm very confused about what may be better for me for streaming

ConchBoy66

ConchBoy66

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So, I have a VTA ST120 tube amp, coupled with a Mcintosh C35 Preamp and Klipsch Corus 2 speakers. I stream to a really really really old Logitech Bluetooth adapter from my iphone12 using Amazon music. It sounds good enough to me, but I can't help but wonder if I am missing something. I get very confused reading the posts about dacs as most of it doesn't pertain to my situation. Any suggestions for something a little bit better?
 
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A pre/amp/speaker combination as good as yours deserves a digital front end device better than a Bluetooth receiver, and the WiiM Pro recommended by BmWr75 is certainly a good option. Its inbuilt PCM5121 DAC is well engineered, and by all accounts sounds good. You may achieve marginal SQ improvements by adding a (good) external DAC, but I suggest only to explore that route later.

If you do buy the WiiM ... or some other good quality streamer ... please please don't connect via Bluetooth - this is a kludgey, flawed digital transport protocol. Use the proper casting protocol over wifi for your particular streaming service - in your case for Amazon Music that means Alexa Cast - which the WiiM fully supports.
 
Yes, the Bluesound NODE is another good choice of streamer.
Again, please please don't connect to the NODE via Bluetooth.
The NODE does not support Alexa Cast, but instead the BluOS app has native Amazon integration.
 
I'll join the chorus and advocate for the Wiim Pro. As others have said, there are further improvements to be had if you use a good external DAC, but start with the Wiim Pro and see how that makes you feel. As most have interjected, avoid bluetooth at all costs. You can use the Amazon Music app from within the Wiim device and its smart phone controller
 
linuxfan said:
A pre/amp/speaker combination as good as yours deserves a digital front end device better than a Bluetooth receiver, and the WiiM Pro recommended by BmWr75 is certainly a good option.










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Yes, the Bluesound NODE is another good choice of streamer
 
I also use Bluesound products. In my music room I have a Vault 2, which is equivalent to a Node 2 but adds the ability to rip and store CD's (not real-time play them though.)

In our living room is a modest 5.2 surround system and there's a Bluesound module with the NAD T758v3 AV receiver, so my wife often grabs the Lenovo 10" tablet we have there and lights up Amazon Music HD "Stations" to play their Classic Vinyl channel. It's 2-channel music though gets converted to the surround sound for what she wants...background music while she does housework.
 
If my system was comprised of McIntosh and VTL I’d buy the best streaming DAC I could afford. The Cambridge EXN100 comes to mind; I have one paired with the matching EXA100 integrated amplifier and it’s fantastic.
 
I have both a BlueSound Node and a TEAC NT-505.
The Node is decent and works basically flawlessly.
The TEAC blows the Node out of the water in sound quality, but has been a real pain from time to time.
If just wanting decent sound, the Node is great. If the highest quality sound, then if you have the money, go for some of the higher dollar streamers.
My 2 cents.
 
trinhsman said:
I have both a BlueSound Node and a TEAC NT-505.
The Node is decent and works basically flawlessly.
The TEAC blows the Node out of the water in sound quality, but has been a real pain from time to time.
If just wanting decent sound, the Node is great. If the highest quality sound, then if you have the money, go for some of the higher dollar streamers.
My 2 cents.
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Which model Bluesound Node is that? There are several, and some have much better DAC chip sets than others. The current TOTL is the Node Icon, with dual mono ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M chip set.
 
All of the current line of Bluesound streamers are superior to their older products. Their processors and user interface are proven and pretty much bulletproof. Bluesound has been making streamers as long as anyone.
 
SLTHORP said:
JBL MP350
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Way too expensive compared to the Wiim or BlueSound gear.

I've had a Wiim Pro for a number of years - add an external dac if you want improved sound.

I added a Topping E30 II because I like to see the bit rate of what I'm listening to.
Under $300 total for both pieces. (and yes, don't use Bluetooth for the interface).


ToppingE30II-WiimPro_8345.jpeg
 
If you're just streaming Amazon, a Wiim is a great choice. If you want to stream your own music or from Tidal/Qobuz you might take a look at Roon. It's expensive software but works really well as a front end for your own library and Tidal/Qobuz. Doesn't work with Amazon.
 
hjames said:
I added a Topping E30 II because I like to see the bit rate of what I'm listening to.
Click to expand...
Just to be clear; the E30II displays your sample rate, which in your photo is 48kHz.
I, too, have an E30II (lite) connected to a WiiM (Mini).
 
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