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For streaming (as opposed to listening to files on a local NAS), and being a "bear of little brain", this is my understanding of the current market -
1) Services
These are akin to your CD/LP/Cassette i.e. where the music data is stored in a digital format. These services then provide the data streamed over the internet to your house. The data can be streamed in a number of different formats but typically there are three formats - compressed data streamed at a lower bitrates, CD quality lossless compression, high quality digital formats. In reality Spotify's highest rate is 320kbps compared with CD quality (16/44.1) at 1400kbps and high quality (24/96) at 3000kbps. So you can see that there is potentially a 10x increase in the data streamed between the different providers. Some services are free but typically have limited function and have adverts (Spotify standard for example) but typically there is a monthly charge for the services (£10-20 typically) with the higher quality services costing more plus there are family packs available for multiple users. The benefit is you get access to c.50m tracks and so can enjoy a wide variety of music at the push of a button (typically on an android/OS/PC device). Finally, the format that the data is streamed in differs between services which is where the MQA comes in, this is a particular "file format" that need to be unpacked before being converted into analogue sound. There is a good comparison of streaming services on WIKI if you do a search but Spotify (no HQ version), Tidal and Amazon music HD (new service with some limitation on players) would be the front runners.
2) Streamer
Now, the data coming over the internet needs to be read, unpacked and the 1's and 0's converted into an analogue wiggly volts signal. This is the streamers job. So, I would look for a streamer that is as compatible with as many providers as is possible, hence the MQA comment and the ability to decode streams up to 24/192 if possible. Up to this point, the unpacking of the data stream, should be pretty much the same for all streamers i.e.it is a software process it is the next step that makes a difference in the sound (excluding the different data densities). The streamer then either outputs a digital stream to an external dac (sometimes integrated into the amplifier) or carried out the digital to analogue conversion internally and outputs a standard analogue line level signal. If you are going for the former, using a DAC then the Chromecast Audio at £20 and the Teufel/Raumfeld Connector at £140 are all you will need, you then can choose a DAC that suits your needs. If you are wanting to use the analogue output then it is worth looking at a streamer that has a quality dac and output circuit so that you get the best analogue signal for the amp to work with, which is where the Node 2i, CXN, Audiolab 6000N, 851N, NAD C658 etc. come in, noting that some of these can also be used a digital (and possibly analogue) preamps as well.
So, as an example I use a Spotify Premium with Chrome Cast Audio (£20), optical digital out into a separate dac that has preamp capability into active speakers. But there are many ways to skin a cat depending on your budget, other source requirements and aesthetic tastes.
On another note, I see you have identified the Cambridge CXC, just to check you understand this is a CD transport only i.e. it only has digital outputs and needs another piece of equipment with a digital input to use it e.g. separate dac, streamer with a digital input, integrated amp with built in dac etc. |
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28-11-2019 02:48:33
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