My First Post.

[Gio-G]

Higher resolution than cd quality, meh (16/44.1). Perhaps you might find some higher res stuff mixed/mastered differently but sonically won't be any better just because of format. I use Spotify, the evil streamer (low pay to artists but extensive user interface options). Roon can have an advantage depending if your current gear is a Roon endpoint....eq and some nice combining of various sources for a more cohesive library at your fingertips. I don't need their added content myself so don't find it interesting. Generally streaming services charge at least for better resolution (I use premium Spotify at cd quality).

I use my streaming services wirelessly over my wifi, altho some is built into the hardware I use (I also use Pandora). Works fine, Pandora I thought was better at finding similar music but spotify has come a long ways with their algorithm. Curious about that service with the rare recording, do you remember what it was?

Keep in mind your computer or tablet or phone can easily act as a quality streamer....

It, (streaming) will be an option, but I just prefer CDs. I am fairly set in my ways and have thousands of CDs.
So many in fact, I find things I have forgotten about and feel like I just bought new music when I discover something hiding. Even with everything in alphabetical order I find stuff from years ago that maybe got a listen or two and then it was forgotten about.

I'm quite happy with my setup and I'm not constantly searching for the next big thing. The streamer option presented itself because of a trade in/up situation that is basically an even swap.

I've replaced most all of my gear with the same stuff I've always had but with the newest version of it. This system will very likely see me out. The first version was about 30 years old with excellent performance and reliability. I just felt moving to newer versions of essentially the same gear would ease any anxiety of having a failure down the road. The trade incentives worked for me. Maybe some would not agree, but I'm quite pleased. Two systems in 30 years aint bad. I've had many more brand new vehicles.

The biggest and most expensive change I've made was to replace the NHT 3.3s with the Perlisten S7Ts. I kept the NHTs but the new speakers really are incredible IMO.

Anyhow, that's a long explanation to simply say, I will have the option to stream if I decide to do so.

I like the other options for streaming services you tossed in. Much appreciated!

Thank you.

 

[lovinthehd]

It, (streaming) will be an option, but I just prefer CDs. I am fairly set in my ways and have thousands of CDs.
So many in fact, I find things I have forgotten about and feel like I just bought new music when I discover something hiding. Even with everything in alphabetical order I find stuff from years ago that maybe got a listen or two and then it was forgotten about.

I'm quite happy with my setup and I'm not constantly searching for the next big thing. The streamer option presented itself because of a trade in/up situation that is basically an even swap.

I've replaced most all of my gear with the same stuff I've always had but with the newest version of it. This system will very likely see me out. The first version was about 30 years old with excellent performance and reliability. I just felt moving to newer versions of essentially the same gear would ease any anxiety of having a failure down the road. The trade incentives worked for me. Maybe some would not agree, but I'm quite pleased. Two systems in 30 years aint bad. I've had many more brand new vehicles.

The biggest and most expensive change I've made was to replace the NHT 3.3s with the Perlisten S7Ts. I kept the NHTs but the new speakers really are incredible IMO.

Anyhow, that's a long explanation to simply say, I will have the option to stream if I decide to do so.

I like the other options for streaming services you tossed in. Much appreciated!

Thank you.

LOL yeah I have a bunch of recordings....large vinyl collection and a larger cd/optical disc collection. My process these days is simply to buy a cd that I want to own, and often based on a streaming services I got to hear it on first, then on receipt play it once to make sure it plays properly then rip it and from then on play the rip, which is much more convenient, particularly for organizing in various ways with the press of a button. I don't remember all your gear, but much of mine is wifi/dlna enabled so streaming from various sources is easy, I have no use for a dedicated streaming box.

 

[Gio-G]

LOL yeah I have a bunch of recordings....large vinyl collection and a larger cd/optical disc collection. My process these days is simply to buy a cd that I want to own, and often based on a streaming services I got to hear it on first, then on receipt play it once to make sure it plays properly then rip it and from then on play the rip, which is much more convenient, particularly for organizing in various ways with the press of a button. I don't remember all your gear, but much of mine is wifi/dlna enabled so streaming from various sources is easy, I have no use for a dedicated streaming box.

I intend to do the same.

I heard a great audio demo track on YouTube the other day. I immediately went on the hunt for it in CD form.

In that particular case it was only available to me through streaming or,,,,,,, The only CD version I found was a $200 option..

F' That!!

But, on other Tube audio demo vids, I've heard good streams and found the CDs so your process works for well for my needs.

Plus, if there are only a few good songs and the rest of an album is a dud, the streaming option would be preferable in those cases.
It is a win/win even if I'm not "all in". I certainly don't lose out on anything except the monthly fee.

 

[lovinthehd]

I intend to do the same.

I heard a great audio demo track on YouTube the other day. I immediately went on the hunt for it in CD form.

In that particular case it was only available to me through streaming or,,,,,,, The only CD version I found was a $200 option..

F' That!!

But, on other Tube audio demo vids, I've heard good streams and found the CDs so your process works for well for my needs.

Plus, if there are only a few good songs and the rest of an album is a dud, the streaming option would be preferable in those cases.
It is a win/win even if I'm not "all in". I certainly don't lose out on anything except the monthly fee.

Yeah some stuff gets expensive when releases don't meet demand. Many streaming services offer a download feature, tho. I don't use youtube for just music very often, maybe for a video with soundtrack, but those are limited.

 

[lovinthehd]

I intend to do the same.

I heard a great audio demo track on YouTube the other day. I immediately went on the hunt for it in CD form.

In that particular case it was only available to me through streaming or,,,,,,, The only CD version I found was a $200 option..

F' That!!

But, on other Tube audio demo vids, I've heard good streams and found the CDs so your process works for well for my needs.

Plus, if there are only a few good songs and the rest of an album is a dud, the streaming option would be preferable in those cases.
It is a win/win even if I'm not "all in". I certainly don't lose out on anything except the monthly fee.

FWIW just because something has the same artist/title and general info doesn't mean it's always the same version across different formats/streaming.

 

[Eppie]

Streaming is a great way to discover new music and many of us have exchanged links in the What Are You Listening to threads. Mostly Youtube links because the videos are fun too. I have Premium to avoid the ads and with YT Premium you can get slightly better audio available on their music service. Outside of YouTube I probably would have gone with Tidal (I don't like Spotify's revenue model).

Roon is more for playing your own digital library but also supports streaming for services like Tidal or Qobuz. For digital libraries I think Roon is the best service but expensive. I finally gave in and got a lifetime membership to avoid the annual fee. I would NOT get Roon for just streaming. If you just want access to Tidal / Qobuz / Spotify / Prime or Apple Music then I would get a WiiM. It has very good streaming support at a reasonable cost (there are some crazy expensive streamers out there).

If you want YouTube or other video services on your TV and 2-channel system, then I would look into an NVidia Shield TV Pro or a small form factor PC for internet access. The Shield is several years old now but still supports all of the major video and music streaming services. I use it mostly for YouTube, Netflix, Disney and my personal digital library. It's easy to set up as well.

A mini personal computer, like one from Beelink, can give access to a little more content since you can use a web browser (browsing the web on the Shield is not a good experience). You can use a wireless keyboard and trackpad or mouse and have access to anything on the internet that is web based. There is a little more setup involved but that's were kids and grandkids come in handy.

So think about how you want access to services. Some receivers have streaming support so all you need is the phone app or a tablet. Don't like using a phone, then the Shield has a nice remote and works through the TV. Same with the PC but with a bulkier keyboard (there are mini keyboard options too).

With the size of your CD collection that may never become an issue though.

 

[Gio-G]

Streaming is a great way to discover new music and many of us have exchanged links in the What Are You Listening to threads. Mostly Youtube links because the videos are fun too. I have Premium to avoid the ads and with YT Premium you can get slightly better audio available on their music service. Outside of YouTube I probably would have gone with Tidal (I don't like Spotify's revenue model).

Roon is more for playing your own digital library but also supports streaming for services like Tidal or Qobuz. For digital libraries I think Roon is the best service but expensive. I finally gave in and got a lifetime membership to avoid the annual fee. I would NOT get Roon for just streaming. If you just want access to Tidal / Qobuz / Spotify / Prime or Apple Music then I would get a WiiM. It has very good streaming support at a reasonable cost (there are some crazy expensive streamers out there).

If you want YouTube or other video services on your TV and 2-channel system, then I would look into an NVidia Shield TV Pro or a small form factor PC for internet access. The Shield is several years old now but still supports all of the major video and music streaming services. I use it mostly for YouTube, Netflix, Disney and my personal digital library. It's easy to set up as well.

A mini personal computer, like one from Beelink, can give access to a little more content since you can use a web browser (browsing the web on the Shield is not a good experience). You can use a wireless keyboard and trackpad or mouse and have access to anything on the internet that is web based. There is a little more setup involved but that's were kids and grandkids come in handy.

So think about how you want access to services. Some receivers have streaming support so all you need is the phone app or a tablet. Don't like using a phone, then the Shield has a nice remote and works through the TV. Same with the PC but with a bulkier keyboard (there are mini keyboard options too).

With the size of your CD collection that may never become an issue though.

Outstanding!

Tons of info here that I had no idea existed.

I will probably do like lovinthehd does as far as streaming usage, to find new and undiscovered tracks and artists.
My streamer is going to be part of the Bryston BR-20.

I currently have a BP-19 that was sold to me with 2 phono stages accidentally installed which increased its value by quite a bit. I called the company and asked about trading it back for the BR-20 which has the same analog preamp, but also includes their latest DAC and streaming capabilities built in.

It isn't a dead even swap, but it is pretty damn close. I've owned their gear for nearly 30 years and have been incredibly happy with all of it. This is my last round of equipment and this gear should see me out the door if it is as reliable and long lasting as the previous stuff.

I've had many conversations with one of the owner's sons and we have hit it off. I don't mind a company making some money off of me. I'm actually more than happy to pay for certain things I like that go beyond measurements, though Bryston is similar to Benchmark when it comes to making gear that measures well and lasts a long time.

Currently I have a mini DAC hooked to our TV. I will hook the TV now to the new PRE.

You mentioned the upgraded YouTube. Is that a good streaming option, or would you say Tidal is preferable?

It doesn't sound like Roon is for me.

I'm one lazy SOB and if I there are too many steps, I'll quickly be turned off.

I honestly never thought I'd stream, but the trade for the preamp was pretty simple and it drops the option in my lap so to speak.

I'm all for the easiest service, but I also want the highest quality audio with it.

Lately I've been into Q-Sound recordings (there aren't a ton) and XRCD for some added quality.