Is a quality streamer worth it?

[p_m_brown]

Hi all

Whilst I still love vinyl, I am finding myself utilising my digital front end more and more for serious listening sessions.

My main sources are Qobuz (CD quality) and the lossless ripped library stored on a Synology NAS, all controlled by my trusty Sonos Connect and played through my Leema Elements DAC.

I have been thinking about upgrading the streamer but I am unsure if I will hear any actual sonic improvement, given that the streamer will be routed through my Leema.

Whilst I am sure there are streamers out there that will outshine the Leema, I am reticent to bin it as my bluray and tv are connected.

So, would I hear much improvement from a Node 2, Linn Sneaky or an Auralic via my Dac, or do I need to look at another solution?

 

[CnoEvil]

My advice is to listen to a Sneaky...and then you can tell me.

 

[CnoEvil]

Does the Linn software have Qobuz access written onto it?

I don't think so....but Kazoo does have easy access to Tidal, along with a few weeks free trial.

http://news.linn.co.uk/news/2014/12/linn-ds-now-integrates-with-tidal.php

 

[CnoEvil]

Does the Linn software have Qobuz access written onto it?

I don't think so....but Kazoo does have easy access to Tidal, along with a few weeks free trial.

http://news.linn.co.uk/news/2014/12/linn-ds-now-integrates-with-tidal.php

 

[p_m_brown]

Would love to but I am trying to work out if it is worth the effort!

I know you have long been an advocate of the Sneaky and I have enjoyed reading your thoughts about it in the past.

Does the Linn software have Qobuz access written onto it?

 

[p_m_brown]

Ok, that means I will need to look elsewhere or just hold fire until Linn update their software. I've used Qobuz for ages and created quite a large library of favourites which would be a pain to try and update on a new service.

 

[CnoEvil]

IMO. If you want to hear what a quality Streamer sounds like, you should still try to get a listen...and only then will you be in a position to know whether the hassle of updating your favourites will be worth the effort.

I always come from the perspective of putting SQ above all else..but that is personal.

 

[iQ Speakers]

I wouldn't worry to much in your setup with the Connect feeding a DAC and playing CD quality through Qobuz. I found the CXN bought an improvment to Spotify (upsampling tech). The Sonos is still the best streaming infastructure IMO and you are probally squeezing the best out of it. How are those beautiful speakers of your's? PS 2xV4.0 sounds amazing to answer your question of 2 weeks ago.

 

[p_m_brown]

IMO. If you want to hear what a quality Streamer sounds like, you should still try to get a listen...and only then will you be in a position to know whether the hassle of updating your favourites will be worth the effort.

I always come from the perspective of putting SQ above all else..but that is personal.

Usually I would agree with this, but I really want to continue with Qobuz. Cheers Cno

 

[p_m_brown]

I wouldn't worry to much in your setup with the Connect feeding a DAC and playing CD quality through Qobuz. I found the CXN bought an improvment to Spotify (upsampling tech). The Sonos is still the best streaming infastructure IMO and you are probally squeezing the best out of it. How are those beautiful speakers of your's? PS 2xV4.0 sounds amazing to answer your question of 2 weeks ago.

Thanks Boggit, speakers are superb, so much so that it has me thinking they are capable of more hence the question about the power amps.

in the demo, we used my A38 amp and some sort of Naim streamer which seemed to create some more atmosphere and detail which has got me thinking...

But, perhaps a better DAC is what I should look at instead of an alternative streamer.

 

[iQ Speakers]

If that's the case I would look at streamers with built in upsampling engines, this is where you are going to get the most improvment in sound.

 

[CnoEvil]

I may have been wrong about DS and Quobuz....if you are still interested, it would be worth asking a Linn dealer to be sure.

 

[p_m_brown]

Thanks Cno - I have found a small dealer near me in Essex so will give them a buzz to learn more about Qobuz integration.

Cheers!

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks Cno - I have found a small dealer near me in Essex so will give them a buzz to learn more about Qobuz integration.

Cheers!

http://blogsv2.qobuz.com/qobuz-blog-en/2015/06/25/q%E2%80%8Bobuz-integrates-with-linn-hi-fi-streamers/

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks Cno - I have found a small dealer near me in Essex so will give them a buzz to learn more about Qobuz integration.

Cheers!

http://blogsv2.qobuz.com/qobuz-blog-en/2015/06/25/q%E2%80%8Bobuz-integra...

 

[p_m_brown]

Awesome! The Sneaky is very much on the shortlist then along with the Auralic Aries. Been looking at the Naim stuff after hearing the nd5 xs while demoing speakers recently. Alas, no Qobuz integration but loved the detail and the drive, particularly with electric guitars.

 

[p_m_brown]

Been messing around with the digital stuff this evening using the asynchronous usb directly from my Synology 214 Play into the Leema Elements DAC and I was surprised to hear a more cohesive and envolving sound sans Sonos. Not night and day and certainly not a match for the naim streamer I heard recently, but more space around instruments, more natural decay and resonance from drums and less grit on the top end. It was more obvious when going back to the same tracks streamed from the NAS via the Sonos as it just sounded a bit less detailed and a little muddled.

Perhaps I need to look at a new DAC too but I think I have answered my original question as to whether a decent streamer (or lack thereof) is worthwhile.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

I'm long gone from this forum, but yesterday thought to post here to tell you just that, to connect the NAS strait into your DAC, i've got my 213 into my Rega DAC for 2 years now and no need for a streamer (sold my Squeezebox touch) the DS Audio app works better that all the streamers apps i've tried (Naim, Lindemann, Primare, Linn, Logitech SBT, CA) you'll have PCM HiRes but won't have DSD or DXD, if this is not a problem, use your budget on a better USB DAC, and with the DS Audio App you'll have a nice streamer solution.

 

[p_m_brown]

Thanks HifiOutlaw, not seen you round these parts for a long time!

I must admit, I find the DS audio app a little clunky and slow when compared to the Sonos app and the Naim app I played with a couple of weeks ago.

I have bought into the idea of streaming as I have been using Qobuz for a couple of years now and love it so no longer buy CDs, simply streaming them as required. So a decent streaming solution (that isn't my MacBook) is something I will want to continue investigating.

 

[p_m_brown]

I must apologise Cno as i managed to do a stellar deal on an ex demo Naim ND5 streamer which was what I heard when doing the speaker demos. I just can't get enough of that driving sound and the superb clarity so will have to try out the Linn next year when I sort a proper little solution for the bedroom.

 

[CnoEvil]

I must apologise Cno as i managed to do a stellar deal on an ex demo Naim ND5 streamer which was what I heard when doing the speaker demos. I just can't get enough of that driving sound and the superb clarity so will have to try out the Linn next year when I sort a proper little solution for the bedroom.

S'ok, I forgive you.....just!

 

[p_m_brown]

Picked up my ex-demo Naim ND5 XS streamer today - funnily enough WHF reviewed it this week.

Anyway, I went along to a Naim/Focal event at the Audiobarn near Harlow and listened to the ND5 with and without the XPS power supply through a Supernait 2 amp, then progressing higher up the foodchain with various pre and power amps. First time I have heard a full Naim system and I certainly hope it won't be the last! Full of energy, bags of detail etc. The excitement and drive just got better at every step with the final system made up of a 282 preamp, a NAP 300dr poweramp, various power supplies and an NDX streamer. Way out of my league but great fun to listen to! Speakers used throughout were Focal Sopra 2.

Just hooked up my humble ND5 and whether using the Tidal trial via the native Naim app, streaming from the NAS or via my old Sonos Connect, it all sounds fab and just as I remember it from the demo a while back and of course this morning. There seems to be more "bite", not in a rough way, just more realistic; guitars really have drive, drums have real punch and vocals sound very realistic.

It is way more engaging than the Leema DAC it replaces, with a bit more bass depth/oomph and remarkable detail that is not fatiguing.

Give it a go if you are in the market for a decent streamer - this represents a significant step up in performance from the Sonos and Leema Dac it replaces!

 

[CnoEvil]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the Naim and the fact that you like the energy it brings to the music, "probably" means that you would have preferred it the Linn.

I have been been to a Naim/Focal sponsored Audio Show and didn't get on with the combination.

I can see how the mixture of Naim, Arcam and Audio Physics would work well...Enjoy.

 

[p_m_brown]

Thanks Cno, it all happened by accident really after using the Naim whilst demoing speakers, but I must say that I am very pleased with the new set up.

I found the Focal/Naim set up pretty good although I did find the treble slightly brittle with some of the music the Naim demonstrator was playing. I thought they sounded rather boxy with a Police track, but that probably had something to do with the recording. The soundstage/imaging was impressive with all the different Naim amps and towards the end of the demo we listened to a great piece by the Ozone Percussion Group which showed off the Sopra 2's impressive bass depth!

The Naim chap was telling us the new Sopra range was developed using the NAP 250, 300 and 500. No surprise given that Naim and Focal are owned by the same company I guess.

 

[CnoEvil]

....although I did find the treble slightly brittle with some of the music the Naim demonstrator was playing. I thought they sounded rather boxy with a Police track, but that probably had something to do with the recording.

I found the same: http://www.whathifi.com/forum/shows/belfast-show