Seeking to Improve Current Audio System

[Hazelroth]

My system consists of the following (most of it is 17 years old):
Sunfire Ultimate Receiver
Oppo BDP-93 (blue ray player)
B&W Nautilus 803 (main speakers)
B&W HTM2 (center)
B&W ASW 675 (sub)
Mirage Omnisat (rear speakers)
Boston Voyager Pro (outdoor speakers)
CI Audio VHP-2 (headphone app)
Sennheiser HD 650 (headphones)
Panasonic TH-50PZ800u (TV with HDMI 1.3)

I listen to music a lot and currently access Spotify and also use the surround sound for movies. I want to upgrade the quality of music and thinking about a high-res streaming service. What is the best way to improve my system and can I continue to utilize selected components? I started thinking about a Node 2.1, then thought maybe I should look at a new receiver like the NAD T778 or Marantz SR7015. All music is played in one room, with the exception of a couple of outdoor speakers. Lastly, I was thinking about a new TV with 8K capability. Any input is appreciated.

 

[lovinthehd]

The video thing may influence audio decisions for compatible gear....but with so little 8k content, why bother or are you a gamer? 4k is still relatively limited. I don't think your current gear particularly lacks in audio quality, but perhaps in usefulness/connectivity. Do you really find a great difference between Spotify's lossy codec and a lossless one? Have you tried testing yourself on the differences of such? If you do try a lossless service, does it have the convenience of Spotify? I tried both Tidal and Qobuz and simply stuck with Spotify, but I don't rely on Spotify for my library, but have a large ripped cd library available for streaming at a slightly higher quality, I don't find hi-res to be particularly "better" unless the recording is simply better. Mostly I use Spotify to find things to add to my own library (largely cd based but also multich sacd, dvd and blurays) but having Spotify on so many devices makes it so much easier to use (but I have multiple systems as well). The newer Atmos services might be interesting to stream and a modern avr just might be the ticket for both multich/digital flexibility. I simply use my laptop/phone/tablet to direct streams at my gear rather than use a dedicated streamer.

 

[Hazelroth]

The video thing may influence audio decisions for compatible gear....but with so little 8k content, why bother or are you a gamer? 4k is still relatively limited. I don't think your current gear particularly lacks in audio quality, but perhaps in usefulness/connectivity. Do you really find a great difference between Spotify's lossy codec and a lossless one? Have you tried testing yourself on the differences of such? If you do try a lossless service, does it have the convenience of Spotify? I tried both Tidal and Qobuz and simply stuck with Spotify, but I don't rely on Spotify for my library, but have a large ripped cd library available for streaming at a slightly higher quality, I don't find hi-res to be particularly "better" unless the recording is simply better. Mostly I use Spotify to find things to add to my own library (largely cd based but also multich sacd, dvd and blurays) but having Spotify on so many devices makes it so much easier to use (but I have multiple systems as well). The newer Atmos services might be interesting to stream and a modern avr just might be the ticket for both multich/digital flexibility. I simply use my laptop/phone/tablet to direct streams at my gear rather than use a dedicated streamer.

Thanks for the feedback. I wondered about any noticeable change in music. Was wondering, have 320 CDs. Could continue to play them in my CD player, but could I download them to a library for future play and get rid of them? If so how did you rip them and do you use any specific storage mechanism? Thanks

 

[Pogre]

I use EAC for ripping cds and it does a great job for me.

Exact Audio Copy

Exact Audio Copy is a so called audio grabber for CDs using standard CD and DVD-ROM drives. The main differences

www.exactaudiocopy.de

Download is to the left in the links. I've yet to hear a streaming service that sounds as good as my cds/rips. I did the same thing HD did and ripped all of my cds, then just stream from my library.

 

[Hazelroth]

I use EAC for ripping cds and it does a great job for me.

Exact Audio Copy

Exact Audio Copy is a so called audio grabber for CDs using standard CD and DVD-ROM drives. The main differences

www.exactaudiocopy.de

Download is to the left in the links. I've yet to hear a streaming service that sounds as good as my cds/rips. I did the same thing HD did and ripped all of my cds, then just stream from my library.

Great idea - thanks

 

[MaxInValrico]

My system consists of the following (most of it is 17 years old):
Sunfire Ultimate Receiver
Oppo BDP-93 (blue ray player)
B&W Nautilus 803 (main speakers)
B&W HTM2 (center)
B&W ASW 675 (sub)
Mirage Omnisat (rear speakers)
Boston Voyager Pro (outdoor speakers)
CI Audio VHP-2 (headphone app)
Sennheiser HD 650 (headphones)
Panasonic TH-50PZ800u (TV with HDMI 1.3)

I listen to music a lot and currently access Spotify and also use the surround sound for movies. I want to upgrade the quality of music and thinking about a high-res streaming service. What is the best way to improve my system and can I continue to utilize selected components? I started thinking about a Node 2.1, then thought maybe I should look at a new receiver like the NAD T778 or Marantz SR7015. All music is played in one room, with the exception of a couple of outdoor speakers. Lastly, I was thinking about a new TV with 8K capability. Any input is appreciated.

Here's what I'm doing to upgrade my Video side. New Sony 65" Bravia Master series OLED and a Anthem MRX-540 receiver.

The TV is awesome but a little on the pricey side, but I do like being able to use the TV itself as the center channel speaker. After much research and demos I decided upon the Anthem receiver since I'm only running a 7.2 setup for video. Everything else in the house will be streamed to via Roon.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yep I use EAC as well for ripping, and rip to FLAC to save a bit of space (rather than .wav). I store them on my laptop and some backup drives (but still kept the cds/artwork in binders). I can put the music on thumb drives for various uses as well in various other devices. I can batch convert the FLACs to mp3 for use in my car (it can't handle FLAC), too.

 

[MaxInValrico]

Yep I use EAC as well for ripping, and rip to FLAC to save a bit of space (rather than .wav). I store them on my laptop and some backup drives (but still kept the cds/artwork in binders). I can put the music on thumb drives for various uses as well in various other devices. I can batch convert the FLACs to mp3 for use in my car (it can't handle FLAC), too.

Went with the Anthem for a couple of reasons, liked it's interface and configurability. As well, it's look fit in quite well with the Michi P5/S5 Pre-Amp and amp on the 2 channel side. It's back end has both amped and line level outputs for all channels which is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[lovinthehd]

Went with the Anthem for a couple of reasons, liked it's interface and configurability. As well, it's look fit in quite well with the Michi P5/S5 Pre-Amp and amp on the 2 channel side. It's back end has both amped and line level outputs for all channels which is exactly what I was looking for.

Yeah I took away my question as I mistook you for the OP. But......the Anthem 540 has multich line level outputs? I see pre-outs, not that. Aesthetics don't matter much to me otoh....and have no idea what a Michi P5/S5 was until I looked it up but how does that factor in?

 

[Hazelroth]

Here's what I'm doing to upgrade my Video side. New Sony 65" Bravia Master series OLED and a Anthem MRX-540 receiver.

The TV is awesome but a little on the pricey side, but I do like being able to use the TV itself as the center channel speaker. After much research and demos I decided upon the Anthem receiver since I'm only running a 7.2 setup for video. Everything else in the house will be streamed to via Roon.

This is a real good system. Do you think you notice a difference in the music? Did you look at the LG OLED? Why did you select the Sony? What speakers are you using with this system?

 

[-Jim-]

Yep I use EAC as well for ripping, and rip to FLAC to save a bit of space (rather than .wav). I store them on my laptop and some backup drives (but still kept the cds/artwork in binders). I can put the music on thumb drives for various uses as well in various other devices. I can batch convert the FLACs to mp3 for use in my car (it can't handle FLAC), too.

I'm on the same page here. FLAC for sure. Never get rid of your source CDs. You'll regret it later if you do. Just sayin...