New to streaming, please help.

[vegman1973]

I guess it depends to what you compare it to

Yes I agree Laptop Dac is inferior to a dedicated external Dac.


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[Minstrel SE]

The extra for unlimited isnt that much, compared to the cost of accidentally going over. Mind you i stream most things so use a lot every month.

Yep I take the point. Im on a capped system because I might be going walkabout soon and they want me on a new fixed term contract for unlimited.

So yes its odd because they can offer me unlimited a bit cheaper if I commit for 12 to 18 months which I cant do at the moment.

I will see but you are all right in that who goes limited allowance now?

I still love an FM tuner with an outdoor aerial

[Mikeandvan]

Stupid question. I guess old integrated amps Dacs won't be able to deal with new high res streaming? Was thinking of getting some mid 90s Sony a/v beastie as I need a dac for streaming (don't need phono stage - already a Nak ca-5 I use as a phono amp). I want good quality streaming, as I plan to make this my main source, getting very tired of changing records.

[legb4rsk]

Being a cheapskate I use this no cost option if you already have the equipment.I am not well versed in digital systems so bear with me.
I have my main speakers connected via to my surround amp using the pre-out left & right into my stereo amp when watching films/TV.

I have a laptop with an HDMI port.To listen to hi-res internet radio I connect the laptop to the Surround Amp via HDMI then switch the Surround Amp to 'Pure Direct' so I only get output to the front left/right pre-outs into my stereo amp.

I believe HDMI can handle most digital formats.I could be wrong.
Appears to be very good quality or am I missing something?

[legb4rsk]

Being a cheapskate I use this no cost option if you already have the equipment.I am not well versed in digital systems so bear with me.
I have my main speakers connected via to my surround amp using the pre-out left & right into my stereo amp when watching films/TV.

I have a laptop with an HDMI port.To listen to hi-res internet radio I connect the laptop to the Surround Amp via HDMI then switch the Surround Amp to 'Pure Direct' so I only get output to the front left/right pre-outs into my stereo amp.

I believe HDMI can handle most digital formats.I could be wrong.
Appears to be very good quality or am I missing something?

[struth]

i extract the audio from hdmi with an hd audio box. you sound like you are using the amp as equiv

[Mikeandvan]

Was thinking Pioneer N-50 for streaming now, anyone used these? Cheaper than a Naimicute.

[Stratmangler]

Was thinking Pioneer N-50 for streaming now, anyone used these? Cheaper than a Naimicute.

I would be very wary of buying any hardware players that currently support Spotify.

Spotify change their delivery method from time to time, and it's not Spotify that has to provide the software patches required. So with the Pioneer N-50, for example, you'll be screwed when Pioneer make the decision not to provide the patches to make things work again.
That day will come, and your N-50 will be useless, and Pioneer will not be interested in fixing the problem. As the N-50 has been around for 5 years or so I suspect that non patch day will be sooner, rather than later.

Stick with stuff that's software based, and well supported.
I have a RasPi running piCorePlayer, which runs LMS for me. LMS is what I run my Squeezebox Touch players on, and LMS has a very dedicated community that continually updates things, when service delivery changes come down the line.

piCorePlayer and LMS are open source, so effectively free. Donations are accepted, as it pays for web space.

[Mikeandvan]

I would be very wary of buying any hardware players that currently support Spotify.

Spotify change their delivery method from time to time, and it's not Spotify that has to provide the software patches required. So with the Pioneer N-50, for example, you'll be screwed when Pioneer make the decision not to provide the patches to make things work again.
That day will come, and your N-50 will be useless, and Pioneer will not be interested in fixing the problem. As the N-50 has been around for 5 years or so I suspect that non patch day will be sooner, rather than later.

Stick with stuff that's software based, and well supported.
I have a RasPi running piCorePlayer, which runs LMS for me. LMS is what I run my Squeezebox Touch players on, and LMS has a very dedicated community that continually updates things, when service delivery changes come down the line.

piCorePlayer and LMS are open source, so effectively free. Donations are accepted, as it pays for web space.

WHat the hell is a patch? I have no idea what you're talking about! But thanks anyway.

[mightymonoped]

Apologies if this has already been covered but I'm wondering if the simplest solution to your requirements would be this:

https://www.allo.com/sparky-eu/boss-player.html @ approx £105

This is a complete plug and play solution as you can order it with the streaming system pre-installed.

• The Boss player would be connected to your amp via RCA.
• It can be accessed via computer, phone, or tablet.
• It can be accessed wired or wirelessly.
• It will stream Spotify and Youtube content.
• It can access most Web Radio (including all BBC stations)
• It can access any future music storage system (wired or wirelessly)
• It can be updated online easily (using a simple screen on computer, phone or tablet)

and it sounds very good indeed!