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First foray into streaming

67.87.50.47
Posted on April 14, 2017 at 12:02:13
fin1bxn@msn.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2215
Location: new jersey
Joined: November 15, 2005
 I'm an audiophile with a pretty good system. My main source for both of my systems is vinyl
I'm looking into modernizing for ease of use and access to more than my 300+ records for high quality sound reproduction.

I want to try Spotify going through my iPad - from what I read I see a Blousound Node 2 might be all I need to accomplish this along with the app and subscription.

My Questions:
Is that all I need?
Is the quality good?
Can I use my iPad wireless or do I have to plug it in?
Does the node 2 connect to my stereo with rca cable?
I'm willing to spend up to 1000; other options welcome!

Thanks

 

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Any iOS device, posted on April 14, 2017 at 12:11:25
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 can be used as a player by itself via the headphone jack (or adapter with 7). Need 3.5mm to RCA cable for connecting to line input. Given Spotify is an MP3 lossy source, that should suffice.

Other options provide the digital stream for use with your DAC.

 

RE: Any iOS device, posted on April 14, 2017 at 12:28:36
fin1bxn@msn.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2215
Location: new jersey
Joined: November 15, 2005
 Don't have a dac and want to stay wireless if possible.

Recommendations welcome.

 

RE: First foray into streaming, posted on April 15, 2017 at 04:12:55
Paul Wilson
Reviewer

Posts: 97
Location: Southeast USA
Joined: October 7, 2014
 I have a Bluesound Node 2 although I do not use it for critical listening. For the most part, I use it to identify new music which I then purchase as a CD and copy to my server, or as an LP and play on the turntable, or in some cases, both.

I am currently running the Node 2 directly into one of the RCA inputs on my preamp and not through my DAC, although I could if I wanted to. I chose to go directly to the pre for convenience's sake and because of how I am using it. If you are using an integrated, for instance, you would need an open RCA input.

As for sound quality, if you are really concerned about that I would recommend you consider the CD quality level of Tidal. Spotify, even the subscription version, is only streamed at 320kbps whereas Tidal can be streamed at CD quality, which is 1411 kbps. Quite a difference. Of course, you could always take advantage of the 30 day free trial period offered by both to hear the difference for yourself and then decide which service suits your needs best.

Regarding the iPad, yes, the Node 2 can be controlled wirelessly through a Bluesound app you download from the iPad app store. You simply add the Node 2 to your existing WiFI and you're all set. The Node 2 comes with a power cord and the necessary RCA cables so it is pretty much self contained. It took me about 10, maybe 15 minutes, if I remember correctly, to set mine up, download the app, and start playing music. Pretty simple really.

For the cost of the Node 2 and your budget of $1000.00 you might consider using any of the popular DAC's in the $300.00 to $500 price range. That would allow you to stream any of the current or future higher resolution music available through Tidal or any new service that may come along.

One big question is will streamed digital music, regardless of the source, bring you the enjoyment I'd guess you obviously have with LP's? That is a question you will have to answer for yourself. However, it should be noted that the Node 2 with Spotify might be considered by many audiophiles ( and certainly by myslef) to be seriously lacking in sonic quality. Using a CD quality service like Tidal may help to improve your listening enjoyment of streamed digital music. Depending on the rest of your system, that might be something to keep in mind.

 

RE: First foray into streaming, posted on April 15, 2017 at 08:31:44
fin1bxn@msn.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2215
Location: new jersey
Joined: November 15, 2005
 Thank you very informative. I like the idea of higher quality of tidal. With that and a dac do I still use the bluesound? Or another component?

My goal is to use my iPad with an online service wirelessly into my home separates that I do have 1 or 2 extra inputs available.

What's your recommendations for the 1000 maybe more if it's worth it.

Im wanting the service to supplement my vinyl and as you say if I hear something I like I would purchase the album.

 

RE: First foray into streaming, posted on April 15, 2017 at 12:07:20
Paul Wilson
Reviewer

Posts: 97
Location: Southeast USA
Joined: October 7, 2014
 You will need the Node 2 either way if you intend to play anything through your system. At least that is the easiest way to do so. The Node 2 can be connected directly to an open RCA jack on an existing preamp or integrated amplifier. The cables to make that connection come with the Node 2.

If you are using an integrated that does not have a DAC you really don't need one. An integrated will work fine to stream CD quality music from Tidal - again, provided you have an available RCA input on your integrated. In my case, I'm doing exactly that with my preamp.

The DAC would be used if you want to stream any of the hi resolution content from Tidal, which is not a huge amount, right now the catalog of MQA songs. Again, depending on your system, a DAC might improve the sonics some but that would be something you'd have to decide for yourself. As to which one, there are quite a few. The Audio Quest Dragonfly is less than $200.00 and it has been highly praised since its inception. If you have a dealer close by, I'd recommend checking with them so you can hear some various components which is always the best way to go.

 

RE: Any iOS device, posted on April 15, 2017 at 19:41:10
mdelrossi
Audiophile

Posts: 25
Joined: November 6, 2006
 I just got a bluesound node2.
It connects either through wifi or hard wired to your internet connection.
As far as the internal DAC is concerned, it's good. However my Schiit Bifrost multibit definitely beats it, unless I listen to MQA titles in Tidal. Which the Bluesound Node2 is able to fully decode and unfold.

You mentioned that you wanted to "have access to your 300+records " the Bluesound will not help in that, as its only for streaming digital files. Tidal does have an extensive collection and is adding new labels.

What does the rest of your system consist of? Maybe that will help others in helping you.

I'm enjoying my Node2 for its eas of use.

Good luck
mdr

 

RE: Any iOS device, posted on April 16, 2017 at 04:35:42
fin1bxn@msn.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2215
Location: new jersey
Joined: November 15, 2005
 Access to my 300 records - I meant that I would still play them most of the time. I have two systems the one in my profile and my man cave which is where I would use the streaming. It an all Manley system snapper mono amps jumbo shrimp preamp and chinook phono pre then a rega rp8 turntable and atc scm 19v2 speakers

 

+1 on DragonFly, posted on April 18, 2017 at 15:12:28
Jim Hodgson
Audiophile

Posts: 399
Location: New York City
Joined: March 9, 2006
 Either the Red ($200) or the Black ($100) -- plus the Apple USB 3 Camera Adapter ($39) -- would form a great iPad-based solution, here.

The OP could come up with something if wireless is a necessity?

 

RE: First foray into streaming, posted on April 19, 2017 at 10:39:27
Land Shark
Audiophile

Posts: 504
Location: South Florida
Joined: April 26, 2000
Contributor
  Since: September 6, 2000
 I started streaming Spotify last year using a MacBook Pro and connected it via it's toslink output to my Counterpoint DAC and my Audio Engine DAC via it's USB output. It sounds pretty good considering it's an MP3 type signal. I think it sounds a little better through the Counterpoint though it's quite acceptable through the USB. You really don't have to spend much at all for decent sound. I've also tried an old cheap laptop and it's also sounded good.

CDs and LPs of course still sound noticeably better, still I'm enjoying the heck out of it. It's so convenient and a great way to check out new music before I buy the disc. I can be more selective in my purchases.

Good luck!
Best regards, Ralph

 

Bluesound Node + BlueOS iOS app + Tidal HiFi = Lossless & MQA + your music library, posted on April 22, 2017 at 14:02:20
RioTubes
Audiophile

Posts: 1039
Location: So Cal
Joined: February 3, 2005
 If you get a Bluesound Node then you can download the BluOS app on your iPad which you can use to stream Tidal HiFi (lossless), Tidal MQA as well as access your music library via your home network. BlueOS will stream up to 24/92. This is basically how I do it except I substitute the NAD C390DD for the Node.

 

RE: First foray into streaming, posted on April 24, 2017 at 05:46:16
fredtr
Audiophile

Posts: 1987
Location: Phoenix
Joined: January 4, 2005
 It depends on your expectations. The sound isn't going to be close to your vinyl. Hopefully you will find it acceptable as background music.

 

RE: +1 on DragonFly, posted on May 4, 2017 at 18:01:55
zacster
Audiophile

Posts: 2179
Location: NYC
Joined: November 22, 2003
 While my solution isn't wireless, I still have wireless control. It consists of an old macbook running Tidal, out through a DragonFly Black and into my tube equipment via a headphone to RCA cable. The wireless control is through my iPad running a remote desktop app. It sounds a lot better than it should. The best part is that the DFB also serves me on the go with the Apple USB3 adapter. I also use it in my office. Unfortunately I can't install Tidal on my office computer. I can still listen on the browser based version but that doesn't offer MQA.

 

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