Digital Music/Streaming

[admin_exported]

Hi Everyone

What is the best way to play music from a PC? Can you link a hard drive with music loaded on to it with a USB cable to a system like a Denon D-M38DAB and play it through that. Or is it best to use a dedicated streaming system like a Denon CEOL (RCD-N7)?

Or is there a better alternative for under £500

Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can give

Neil

 

[Overdose]

There are many ways to achieve your aim.

What equipment do you currently have and what do you wish your system to be capable of?

 

[Anonymous]

At the moment all I have is an old pair of mission speaks. So I'm looking to start a system from scratch, I have all my music stored on my PC and want to be able to play this through a stereo system. I'll mostly be using headphones for this, thinking of the grado80i's

 

[donnerbono]

If your PC is next to your hi-fi: plug it in (going via a dedicated DAC, rather than one in PC soundcard, can improve sound quality).

If it's in another room or cabling directly isn't an option you're into the world of streaming solutions.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Donnerbono could you recommend a DAC?

 

[donnerbono]

I presume headphones out of the PC sound naff. I always start with the cheapest option!

If you literally just want headphones then Arcam do a DAC / Headphone amp.

You can get a Denon for about £200 all round stereo and then you can review need for DAC and better speakers after. There's a Denon DM39 soon which will make the DM38 go down in price too!.

Marantz do a nice mini hi fi too if you want to spend more money!

That's my 2p anyway.

 

[Overdose]

Thanks Donnerbono could you recommend a DAC?

Try this combo....

http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/tannoy-reveal-601a-pair--92604

http://www.homehifi.co.uk/products/products.html

It will do everything that you need and come in under budget.