Looking for advice on DAC & streaming services

[Revolutions]

Hi all, first post here. I’ve gotten tonnes of useful info from the forums so thank you!

I’m thinking about upgrading my amp, and it makes sense to try and solve streaming at the same time. Would appreciate any thoughts/advice/experience.

Questions:
- which cd quality streaming service has the most intuitive/simple app?
- should I upgrade my amp & go integrated or just buy a separate DAC?
- any recommendations for which Amp/DAC?

Current setup
Rega Planar 2 (90s) /AT VM95ML
NAD cd player
Bose Soundtouch Link (Spotify streaming)
Marantz PM6006 UK
Monitor Audio silver 300

I’ve been using Spotify since it launched, so the UX is second nature. Failed to shift to apple & Amazon as the app experience let me down. For now it hasn’t mattered as I presume the Bose soundtouch isn’t the best DAC going. But come to realise that I could run a 2nd subscription with high quality streaming if I’ve got a decent setup.

I think the amp is the weak link in my setup, as well as the streaming setup. I’ve been looking at integrated setups like the Cambridge Audio CXA81, which would mean I also need a phono preamp. I know the Audiolab 6000A sounds pretty good, and presume the Marantz PM7000N does too, but not sure if they’re much of an improvement over my current setup.

So, integrated or just buy a streamer?

And then recommendations for a music service that does cd quality & the app is simple to use? Preferably links directly to the amp (like my Bose does with Spotify). I guess Apple Music makes sense if I’m happy to just search for albums to play on the stereo.

Thanks 😊

 

[WayneKerr]

I don't do streaming but isn't there a DAC in your amp, why aren't you using that instead of the Bose DAC?

 

[Revolutions]

The 6006 only has optical or audio

I don't do streaming but isn't there a DAC in your amp, why aren't you using that instead of the Bose?

ah, so it does…!

In that case, could I just get a small Bluetooth/airplay 2 receiver with optical out?

 

[WayneKerr]

The 6006 only has optical or audio

ah, so it does…!

In that case, could I just get a small Bluetooth/airplay 2 receiver with optical out?

Wiim mini could be an answer as with optical out you can bypass the internal DAC in favour of the DAC in the 6006. Believe the Wiim is loaded ready to go with whatever streaming service you choose.

 

[Stuart.W.D]

Spotify is fine with a Bluetooth device, such as Ifi Zen Blue V2. In order to get CD-quality streams, I recommend using a dedicated network player.

Take a look at this network player. It streams all relevant streaming apps. Cambridge's own app is both reliable and user-friendly. The MXN10 is equipped with a decent Dac chip for CD-quality streams and higher-resolution files. It's hard to find a better deal when you're paying for everything that's included. I can't fault the Cambridge CXN V2 network player that I have. The V2 is connected to a Marantz PM8005 amplifier.

 

[Stuart.W.D]

This stylish Cambridge Audio network streamer is an ideal way to upgrade your Hi-Fi

British Hi-Fi specialist Cambridge Audio has launched the MXN10, a compact new network player that can be used to bring any existing Hi-Fi system up to date with music streaming services. The half-…

theluxereview.com

 

[Revolutions]

Wiim mini could be an answer as with optical out you can bypass the internal DAC in favour of the DAC in the 6006. Believe the Wiim is loaded ready to go with whatever streaming service you choose.

I think you may have solved 50% of my issues with a super cheap experiment. Thank you 😊

 

[Revolutions]

This stylish Cambridge Audio network streamer is an ideal way to upgrade your Hi-Fi

British Hi-Fi specialist Cambridge Audio has launched the MXN10, a compact new network player that can be used to bring any existing Hi-Fi system up to date with music streaming services. The half-…

theluxereview.com

Thanks for this- looks like a pretty solid option. Think I’m going to try to wiim mini first of all, the entry price makes it crazy not to for my first foray into higher quality streaming.

What service do you use, out of interest? I’ll likely only be using to search for and play albums, so want an app with a simple UI

 

[Stuart.W.D]

My preferred method for using my V2 is via Qobuz, USB for my flac files, and internet radio for my favourite stations. I have no experience with wiim products and can't comment on its app interface etc, but wiim is well-reviewed. Online opinions say; the DAC chip is the weak link in the wiim mini, so make sure to compare the sound with your amplifier DAC.

John Darko conducts a thorough examination of the wiim mini. I'll provide you with the link.

Don’t walk, run to the Wiim Mini | Darko.Audio

A stone-cold streaming audio bargain by anyone's reckoning.

darko.audio

 

[Revolutions]

Thank you Stewart, will have a good look at all of this. Qobuz does look interesting, will give that a trial.

Already thinking if I’m likely to upgrade the wiim, why not go straight for something like the MXN10.

 

[Al ears]

I haven't got into streaming in a big way yet but have used some services and read around quite a bit.
Regards services the general opinion seems to be Qobuz is the best for content and quality although Spotify offers the best and most intuitive user interface.
Me, I would take content and quality over usability any day.

 

[Revolutions]

I haven't got into streaming in a big way yet but have used some services and read around quite a bit.
Regards services the general opinion seems to be Qobuz is the best for content and quality although Spotify offers the best and most intuitive user interface.
Me, I would take content and quality over usability any day.

I wish I could agree on quality and content over usability. I want both. The Amazon music app still haunts my dreams, and makes me feel icky just thinking about it…

 

[jjbomber]

My preferred method for using my V2 is via Qobuz,

+1.

I have just joined Qobuz, having been with Spotify, Cr-Apple and Amazon at various stages. I'm finding it brilliant so far. Will probably upgrade to Sublime when the offer finishes. Simple to use, great quality and easy to import playlists from Spotify.

 

[Al ears]

I wish I could agree on quality and content over usability. I want both. The Amazon music app still haunts my dreams, and makes me feel icky just thinking about it…

Getting both is not always a possibility I fear...
Life is a compromise...

 

[Revolutions]

Getting both is not always a possibility I fear...
Life is a compromise...

I want cake, and I want it in my mouth. Just downloaded Qobuz, seems easy enough to use. A lot of the more niche music I listen to doesn’t seem to be on there, so a 2 streaming service is my solution. Spotify for everyday, Qobuz for hifi listening.

I ordered a WiiM mini from Amazon, excited to a/b the new things against Spotify & Bose soundtouch tomorrow night.

 

[jjbomber]

I want cake, and I want it in my mouth. Just downloaded Qobuz, seems easy enough to use. A

Transfer your playlists, so that you are ready to go when the Wiim arrives.

Soundiiz to Qobuz - Transfer playlists and favorites with Soundiiz

Import Soundiiz playlists and favourites tracks, albums, and artists to Qobuz in one go. Follow this tutorial and move to Qobuz in just a few steps.

soundiiz.com

 

[Al ears]

I want cake, and I want it in my mouth. Just downloaded Qobuz, seems easy enough to use. A lot of the more niche music I listen to doesn’t seem to be on there, so a 2 streaming service is my solution. Spotify for everyday, Qobuz for hifi listening.

I ordered a WiiM mini from Amazon, excited to a/b the new things against Spotify & Bose soundtouch tomorrow night.

If you can afford to pay for two streaming services then carry on.

 

[Revolutions]

Listening to Qobuz today out and about with my AirPods: streaming cd quality over 5g I did some listening vs Spotify. Apart from the volume boost there is a small improvement in clarity through the mix. Not huge. Will try lossless when I get back home to see how they differ in the earphones.

Given me high hopes for a noticeable improvement on my hifi with Qobuz vs Spotify and lossless transfer to Marantz DAC vs the Bose Soundtouch DAC 😃

 

[Stuart.W.D]

It's like anything in HiFi you will find improvements, but it won't be a night or day difference.

Spotify is a great option for streaming, particularly if you have a well-balanced system and listen to high-quality recordings. Spotify premium is adequate for the majority of people.

 

[Revolutions]

It's like anything in HiFi you will find improvements, but it won't be a night or day difference.

Spotify is a great option for streaming, particularly if you have a well-balanced system and listen to high-quality recordings. Spotify premium is adequate for the majority of people.

I’m all about chasing those crisp hi-hat sounds. Just turned 41 & spent 10 years as a gigging musician. Don’t think my ears have got much time left to really appreciate that satisfying sharpness.

<Update>
Just did some entirely unscientific a/b/c testing with Blur & Talking Heads albums. Spotify/Bose>audio in, Qobuz/wiim>optical in, cd>coax in.

Spotify fared well but there was a slight improvement with Qobuz. CD sounds the punchiest though. Interesting, and difficult to test as it took time to switch between each & set similar volume.

Either way, for £80 and a free month trial of Qobuz, I’m enjoying playing 😃

 

[jjbomber]

I’m enjoying playing 😃

That's all that matters.

 

[Witterings]

Only shame about Qobuz is you can't cast from their App like you can with Spotify / Amazon instead of having to use the WiiM App which personally I'm not a great fan of.

 

[jjbomber]

Only shame about Qobuz is you can't cast from their App like you can with Spotify / Amazon instead of having to use the WiiM App which personally I'm not a great fan of.

Chromecast.

 

[Witterings]

Chromecast.

Yes but not 24/192 .... therein lies another discussion whether you can hear the difference anyway .... but the OP bought a mini not a pro so it doesn't have chromecast anyway.

 

[Revolutions]

Thought I’d share a little update after a few days of intense streaming on my hifi.

With the improvement in sound using the DAC in my amp, the difference between cd quality streaming on Qobuz & 320kbps on Spotify isn’t huge. 80% of my listening I’m doing other things like reading, so not really much need for me to pay for a 2nd subscription for a marginal gain.

Qobuz gets a solid 7/10. It’s definitely one of the better steaming apps I’ve tried, simple and intuitive. The fact that it was super easy to transfer my whole catalogue; saved artists, albums, favourite tracks & playlists, is a huge plus. Listening to Neil Young again has been a pleasure during the trial. A few complaints, like the volume of editorial content that gets in the way of the core use of the app: searching for music. The slow loading was a pain & made using it on the tube a no-go without having to download the albums beforehand. Also, AirPlay 2 is a little slow when you change tracks or pause.

I’ll be sticking with Spotify after the trial. I’m really glad I made this thread- the WiiM Mini was a cheap solution that’s significantly boosted streaming quality. I’ve given a good test to cd quality & lossless streaming and happy there’s no holy grail there. Thank you for all the help, suggestions & advice 😊