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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Want to add streaming capability to my system?
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Message started by David Wilcox on 04/20/23 at 20:00:15

Title: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by David Wilcox on 04/20/23 at 20:00:15

I'm relatively new to music streaming. I have SPOTIFY on my PC downstairs in my office with a headphone set-up and play thru the Samsung soundbox in the living room.
What do I need to do to get streaming thru my Decware and vintage system upstairs.
I'm 73 years old and want to be able to control it from my listening chair using my android phone or a tablet.
I don't need all the bells and whistles but I don't want to shortchange my current system.

Thanks
David W

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Showme on 04/20/23 at 22:14:09

Well I’m 77 and just added a Cambridge CXNv2 to my system this week. It was a breeze to set up. I am playing music from my Tidal subscription. Currently listening to Palamino’s playlist from this years Axpona show. Sounds great to me. I bought a refurbished (by Cambridge) unit on eBay. Cosmeticly perfect and seems to be working flawlessly. One year warranty.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Kamran on 04/20/23 at 23:26:48

Given your criteria, I wholeheartedly recommend a Bluesound Node. Hassle free setup, supports many streaming services and radio stations. Listen to music from the comfort of your listening chair using their rock solid app.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by ChrisC on 04/21/23 at 01:55:49

I would second Showme's recommendation. The CXN is a solid streamer. I've had mine for ~2 years and its been great. Mine has been modded by Modwright but the stock version is also very well reviewed; espesiallly at the price point (it can even function as a preamp). Set up is simple and it has Spotify and Tidal built in. I have a Tidal HiFi subscription and the sound quality is excellent. Definately worth a look and the refurbished route is also worth a look. I bought a refurbished CD transport from Cambridge and its worked flawlessly. Lots of good options out there.

ChrisC

[smiley=tunes51.gif]

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Yakatak on 04/21/23 at 04:35:33

Well....I'm 79...if that's at all relevant, and I will even the score by recommending the Bluesound Node. What Kamran said, and it can be used with or without its built-in DAC. I do use a standalone DAC. If you need a streamer with built-in DAC, then the Cambridge might be a better choice.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by ChJKy (Chris) on 04/21/23 at 10:54:25

The Cambridge Audio CXN(V2) has been recommended by many throughout this forum. It could be due to the trust given to Steve's ears by all of us that have bought tube amps, as he does use it himself in his set up.

I bought mine to see if I could find a streaming service I liked enough to start streaming. I tried them all and the device works great for streaming. It integrates amazingly well with Spotify as my daughter uses it when she visits me.

I have also used the USB B audio function with great results as well as a 2 TB WD passport hooked up via regular USB that allows me to access all my digital files with the phone app.

I haven't found anything wrong with it as it does everything well and does sound great.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by HockessinKid on 04/21/23 at 13:20:48

+1 on Modwright modified CXN V2. Enjoy the heck out on mine.

HK

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Joey on 04/21/23 at 14:05:01

I use the blue sound node with an external dac. Not the quality of the Modwright Cambridge but the Bluesound app is very user friendly and almost bulletproof. If you can get Roon in the mix you'll never look back.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Showme on 04/21/23 at 15:45:18

I don’t think the Modwright upgrade is still available. I don’t believe I would be willing to spend the $1,500 anyway.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Erich on 04/21/23 at 19:29:34

You need to be able to input another RCA into your Decware somehow. How you’re set up now - we don’t know. But at the end of the day this is just like adding a CD player or a Cassette playback or a tuner or whatever. So… you need another RCA. Cool.

Cheap, cheap, cheap… you can get a Bluetooth adapter from Amazon for $20 and straight up Bluetooth to the above RCA. You’re on Spotify, which is lossy (but 95% of a lossless source ). It would work fine and NOBODY, but a golden eared audiophile will notice the difference.

Next step is the Bluesound Node or Cambridge streamers mentioned here. Ostensibly should have a better DAC and if you choose a lossless source, then it will sound better.

I just added a home brew ZBIT, so now I’m Cambridge —> ZBIT —> Torii, Jr - using the Cambridge as a preamp (variable output). I’m on Tidal, which A/B’s better than Spotify and the ZBIT made an incremental difference too.

Bottom line - you can solve this problem with a $20 bill and Prime delivery, then move up from there.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by David Wilcox on 04/22/23 at 14:49:29

Thanks for your suggestions. They will help me make some upgrade purchase decisions.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Tooppy on 04/23/23 at 19:02:55

David, I think it depends of your existing setup and the budget you plan to spend.
All the recommandations above are excellent but if you already have a DAC and want to minimize spending, buying a Streamer "only" could be the option, that was my case, I went with a IFI streamer.
Sadly they have some rubbish application but I use a third party app , "mconnect", and it works well, no internet radio nonetheless, but the streamer is excellent.
I stream from my NAS and from Qobuz, I could also use Spotify or Tidal or else if I had the subscriptions.

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by CoryMest on 05/11/23 at 09:18:06

Do they have a Bluetooth unit? Can't they connect with each other using Bluetooth?

______________

Territorial Io

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by JBzen on 05/11/23 at 10:12:11

If "they" refers to the CXNV2, then this is from the owners manual:

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Dominick on 05/11/23 at 12:07:09

If you are looking for a no frills and cheap streamer, take a look at the Google Chromecast Audio. They pull the stream via WiFi which you can setup through the Google Home App. The output jack is a 3.5 mm audio out which doubles as an optical out. All you would need to buy is a mini Toslink Audioquest adapter and can connect to your Dac via optical if you want.

They are discontinued but can be purchased on eBay…

Positives….very affordable and the combo mini Toslink/3.5 mm audio out is versatile. Compatible with the Google Chromecast topology. All work with Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz that you can connect to from your phone or tablet.

Negatives…the sound output is limited at 96/24 bit, so anything higher gets downscaled. I use them for my outdoor speakers, and in the bedrooms that go to my Bluetooth speakers. This was my first streamer I used with an Audioquest Dragonfly red when I first started out on the cheap to save money. I have it connected to my surround sound system if I don’t want to fire up my tube amp…and I use it as a backup connection to my tube amp.

So it really depends on your budget… can it compare to the Bluesound Node or a Cambridge Audio…..no. But at like 4x the price…it just comes down to affordability.

Here’s a link for the devices listed…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325385838020?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=1BTAFi0OSmu&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195673643476?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lD_pmLdVRzC&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Hope this helps.

Dom

Title: Re: Want to add streaming capability to my system?
Post by Celine Dion on 05/16/23 at 10:17:25

Quote:

The Bluesound Node offers high-quality audio playback and supports various streaming services and radio stations. While it provides additional features and functionality, it is designed to be user-friendly and straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy your music without any unnecessary complications.