Switching from hard media to streaming

I don’t particularly want to start a whole new thread if someone can find me previous discussions about switching from vinyl and CD systems to streamers

I’ve never streamed anything so I’m slightly nervous . Despite my nervousness I only have one question….

what price (and suggested brands) of streamer would I need to at least equal my LP12/Karousel/ Lingo 4/ Javelin/DV20XL cartridge and Rega Isis SS CDP? Phono stage is an Icon Audio valve

I have large CD and vinyl collections so selling the lot (or most of it and maybe keep a few of each for posterity but with cheaper TT and CD) with the above equipment ought to give me a top notch sound for much less space.

So where do I start? Links to previous threads are very welcome - I’ve tried several searches without success

 

Doesn't exist

 

Where in the country are you? North west audio show in a couple weeks if you can get to that. No doubt there’ll be streaming systems on show and chance to speak to multiple dealers at once

 

This current thread may be of interest.

https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/inexpensive-route-into-digital.280593/

 

I think it probably does. Do you have a seperate dac? That's a good place to start.

 

Three things to consider:

1. interface - the music browser can be a deal breaker, it's worth investigating different brands and user satisfaction

2. control - there are different ways to control a streamer (smartphone, tablet, laptop) find out what suits you best

3. flexibility - buying separate streamer and DAC will allow you to explore a presentation that suits your preference more easily and maximise sound quality; you can invest in a good streamer upfront (see 1. and 2. above) and try a few DACs until you find one you're happy with; make sure you get a streamer with all types of digital ouputs

 

Do you want to listen to the same stuff you have on CD, but save on shelf space?

Rip them to hard drive, get a fanless PC, and a controller such as a Raspberry Pi or (used) Squeezebox Touch.

Keep the CDs in boxes tucked away in case you need them.

 

equal my LP12/Karousel/ Lingo 4/ Javelin/DV20XL cartridge and Rega Isis SS CDP?
Whats your budget
Ipad / Tidal / DCS Bartok

 

If I was starting again I’d go laptop or streamer/dac-pre/active speakers, for sure. Fabulous sound, plenty of brands to recommend, as much music as you could ever listen to, reasonably cost effective and space saving.

Mind you, records sound nice.

 

The Isis has a USB input. If you like the sound, keep it. Use it as a DAC and all you need is a quality streaming source with USB out. That can be small and discrete. And a hell of a lot cheaper than a DCS Bartok or whatever uber streaming solution.

I’d start by looking at something like an Allo USBridge Signature with a good power supply, as you probably aren’t going to get a much better source in technical terms and it’s got some flexibility with the software.

But if you’re averse to fiddling with operating systems I’d have thought something like a Buesound Node will have a decent quality USB output and be simpler to set up & use. Someone else can likely comment on that.

 

My focus would be on the dac and I do prefer the freedom of the dac and streaming being separate.

 

If I got rid of the TT and CD plus the music I’d have a substantial budget. If the streamer doesn’t equal the SQ I have I’ll stick with what I have .

I’d be listening to the same stuff that I have on CD and LP but much less space and easier to just have random playlists without the faff of up and down

I hadn’t thought of ripping the CDs - but again what price of the box to do that

I don’t have a separate DAC in itself and wouldn’t retain the Isis just for the purpose of having a DAC

 

I guess a low-ish cost option would be to try a secondhand streamer and try it out. Do you have to sign up to a 2 year subscription or something? That would be a pain….

As for control - iPad would be my controller of choice

Will check out that NW show to see if I’m free. I’m in west Wales so a bit of a trek but might be worth it

 

Ripping cds is easy and cheap don’t fall for the specialist ripper crap

 

Guess dealers are possibly thin on the ground in west Wales, but I would perhaps approach an 'expert' for advice - not least to see how everything works. Must admit though that when I contacted my nearest dealer (in Leeds), I ultimately gave up as the costs were mounting with every utterance related to all the new equipment, including cables, that I would (apparently) need!!

 

I would start modestly & just get a Bluesound Node, a trial subscription with Tidal or Qobuz & an iPad to use as a controller for now. The Bluesound app is very good, stable & easy to use. Run that side by side in your existing system to see how you get on with streaming.
It won’t be the equal of your vinyl front end, of course it won’t, it’s only a few hundred quid.
But you’ll get to know what streaming is all about & whether it’s right for you or not.
I’d never start a digital vs vinyl…..which is best journey. It’ll drive you mad. They’re both different with different pluses & minuses.
If you like the node but want to take streaming further you can sell it easily to go for something more exotic, if you end up decide streaming isn’t for you, again,sell the node & you haven’t lost much at all.

 

If you have a pc, Mac or laptop the cost of ripping CDs is nothing except your time. Apart from maybe £30 if your computer doesn’t have a disc drive.

 

At the risk of leading you in the direction of 'specialist ripper crap' I would take a look at the Innuos range.
Excellent app with seamless integration for the likes of Qobuz/Tidal which is where Bluesound falls down badly imo.

 

As someone else suggested on here, keep the Isis and use it's USB input to feed a stream. I'd forget about faffing with ripping your CDs..play them on your Isis. If you thought getting up and down all the time is a hassle, you'll enter another world of pain with ripping/indexing/NAS storage etc. Life is too short!
Also, your streaming solution is just going to sound different to your vinyl...don't get rid of the vinyl/turntable until you've lived with streaming for a few months, else you might regret it.

 

Not streaming these days is like never having used CD.

Just because you like one doesn't mean you can't appreciate the other.