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Thread: Digital Source Advice

  1. #1
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: Gloucestershire

    Posts: 125
    I'm Roy.

    Default Digital Source Advice

    I have run high quality analogue systems for the last 40 years, but I need some advice to bring myself into the 21st century. I am planning on replacing my turntable, CD player and tuner with a streaming / network device, but I have no idea how to go about it.
    I have purchased a pair of AVI DM1O active speakers, which contain a remote controlled preamp, power amp and 24/96 DAC. I also have an iPad Air 2, but no laptop. I would like a device that can play and rip my cd collection, play music obtained online and also have an internet radio facility for jazz fm, classic fm and radio 2.
    I prioritise high quality sound over convenience, so I am looking for equipment recommendations and advice on how to set this up, either via this thread or by PM please.
    Many Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Norfolk, UK

    Posts: 6,209
    I'm BigBobJoylove.

    Default

    Sounds like a big change!

    Have a look at Melco's range of equipment. They specialise in players which rip and store, as well as stream. Quality is incredible, sound as well as build, and they're compatible with mobile devices for control purposes too. I've heard a few models and they are exceptional.

  3. #3
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: Gloucestershire

    Posts: 125
    I'm Roy.

    Default

    Many Thanks.
    The budget is around £1000, but I am flexible if the improvement in sound quality warrants extra outlay.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Norfolk, UK

    Posts: 6,209
    I'm BigBobJoylove.

    Default

    Ahhh, you won't touch a Melco for that unfortunately. You need at least twice as much.

    Have you considered a Mac mini with a USB DVD drive? That'll do everything you need and more. You can run it directly to your speakers digitally, it would work very well for your needs.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: Gloucestershire

    Posts: 125
    I'm Roy.

    Default

    No, I haven’t considered anything yet as I am completely in the dark. I will have a look at the Mac, though.
    Thanks.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Jan 2021

    Location: Avening UK

    Posts: 48
    I'm Simon.

    Default

    Read my post on the Bluesound Node 2i which I have now pimped and fitted an Allo Shanty power supply, ones very good and seems to do everything.
    I'm in Gloucestershire, you can come listen if you can wait till the June lock down ends or go to AudioT in Cheltenham where I bought mine. A pimped Bluesound is about £800.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Norfolk, UK

    Posts: 6,209
    I'm BigBobJoylove.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Holte Ender View Post
    No, I haven’t considered anything yet as I am completely in the dark. I will have a look at the Mac, though.
    Thanks.
    I work with Macs for a living, so I can soon find the right model for you.

    Ben Duncan mains conditioner
    2022 MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro 10/16/16/16
    Samsung QE75Q90T 75" QLED TV
    XMOS DSD Async USB to Coax converter
    RME Audio ADI-2 FS (AK4493) DAC
    Chord Clearway XLR interconnects
    Audioquest Crimson USB interconnect
    QED Quartz Reference optical interconnect
    Edifier S3000 Pro active speakers
    Atacama SE24 stands

  8. #8
    Join Date: Nov 2018

    Location: Grimsby

    Posts: 398
    I'm David.

    Default

    I'm using a mini fanless pc, https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=fanless..._ts-doa-p_3_15
    controlled by a 7" touchscreen monitor (I would get a slightly larger screen if I purchased again) and only use it to play music from an external hard drive, total cost £250. You could certainly control something like Volumio from an i-pad and listen to internet radio, you would have to also buy a separate cd transport https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=cd+play..._ts-doa-p_7_10 but that could be put in a drawer when not in use.

  9. #9
    Join Date: Apr 2013

    Location: Solihull, UK

    Posts: 410
    I'm Bob.

    Default

    Roy, I note that you have no laptop, but do you have a desktop of any kind that you can use for ripping your CD's?

    If so you need to add a UpNP/DNLA compliant Streamer (I think they all are now) and a storage device connected to it. Use the PC or MAC to rip the files to the storage device and use your iPad as a controller. There are lot's of free apps to put on your iPad and even those you pay for are often only a couple of quid for life.

    The chain is therefore Storage into Streamer, Streamer in to DAC, all controlled by your Ipad. The PC/MAC is redundant after your file ripping/transfer.

    I use a Cyrus Stream X2 which gives access to more internet radio than you could listen to in a lifetime.

    Only word of caution is that just like vinyl replay the results can be very good indeed, but just like vinyl your wallet can take a bit of a hit getting there. If as you say "I prioritise high quality sound over convenience" then I'd advise making sure you are happy with the result before parting with your vinyl set up.

    But it's a worthwhile quest. Ultimately vinyl is still king but it's so close that probably 98% of my listening now is via my streaming set up.
    Source: Orbe SE / SME IV / Cadenza Bronze
    Source: WD NAS / Cyrus Stream X2 / Chord DAVE
    Source: Oppo UDP-205 (CD/DVD-A/SACD)

    Amplification: Icon Audio PS 3 Sig Phono + Audio Research LS27 + Musical Fidelity A5cr Power Amp
    Loudspeakers: ProAc Response D28
    Cables/stands: Mark Grant G1500HD + Linn K20 + Cat 5e
    Other bits: Okki Nokki keeping things clean

  10. #10
    Join Date: Apr 2017

    Location: Gloucestershire

    Posts: 125
    I'm Roy.

    Default

    Thank you for the responses. I don’t currently own a laptop or desktop, so I would need to steal my son’s or daughter’s laptop, which they use for school work! Of course, I could buy my own. I need to do some contemplating, as I now only own the Accuphase tuner and active AVI speakers.

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