Seems like a dumb question, but last time I bought audio gear was 13 years ago with most of the rest purchased 12 year or more before that even.

The speakers are Klipschorns. In 2014, all my albums and CDs we stolen, along with my Adcom, NAD, Nakamichi, B&W, Klipsch, etc. gear. With the music streaming services currently available, I don’t plan to repurchase all the albums and CDs that were stolen.

What’s the cleanest, most direct way to get the streaming music service music playing out of my speakers? No AirPlay or Bluetooth. One hitch is I’d like the TV sound to go come out of the speakers as well, but I don’t need or want surround sound at all.

I’m guessing I need a DAC, preamp, amp, and some sort of device that connects the internet to the DAC or some combination of those boxes. I’ve got Amazon Music Unlimited, but could switch in November.

Of course, budget: under $2k, but certainly no more than $5k and it would have to be something really special to get me close to $5k.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: trapper189,

Watching closely...

Which music streaming service do you want to use?

If you’re using something like Spotify, it can be played directly from your tv if it’s a smart tv and if it’s connected to your WiFi.

Tony

Our system is Roku streaming with Spotify for music. We bought a Yamaha V385 receiver for TV sound and music. It has HDMI and EARC to connect the TV to the receiver. Hope this helps.

We have Denon receivers. One is a surround sound etc for the home theater, but the other is a plain 2 channel stereo receiver a lot like the old days except it has all the modern HDMI, USB, wifi, etc connections in addition to the old fashioned speaker wires out to whatever speakers you like.

TV sound can be routed through the receiver several ways. It can take analog inputs or HDMI. There's something called HDMI ARC which allows data and audio, and it is good to use those ports on your tv and receiver if they have it.

To listen to music via streaming, you will need a device of some sort connected to your internet. e.g. an AppleTV device. If you have it connected to the receiver and the receiver connected to the tv, you can see the various apps from the AppleTV device and stream music from whichever service you subscribe to. I presume other streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, etc would be the same. So you'd stream music via an app on the AppleTV (or FireStick etc). The sound is processed by just the receiver, and the tv provides the way to see what you're doing.

While I have been completely happy with the Denon equipment, presumably other brands will be similar. The more expensive you get the more channels of audio they have, but since you only need 2 channels it will keep the price lower.

All brands seem to have all the different ways to digitally stream in/out of them. Bluetooth, Airplay, over wifi, etc. Some may have the apps you need for your particular service (e.g. Pandora).

I did a search on DDG for this. Their AI thingy came up with this answer:

Connecting Streamed Music to Old Stereo Speakers

To connect streamed music to your old stereo speakers, you have a few options. These methods allow you to enjoy modern streaming services while using your existing audio equipment.

Bluetooth Adapters

Bluetooth Receiver: Connect a Bluetooth receiver to your stereo's AUX input. This allows you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet directly to your speakers.
Audio Quality: Note that Bluetooth may compress audio, which can affect sound quality.

Wi-Fi Streaming Devices

Streaming Adapters: Devices like the Yamaha WXAD-10 or Audiocast M5 can connect to your Wi-Fi network and stream music directly to your stereo system.
AirPlay Support: Some adapters support AirPlay, allowing you to stream from Apple devices easily.

Wired Connections

3.5mm to RCA Cable: If you prefer a wired connection, use a 3.5mm to RCA cable to connect your smartphone or tablet directly to the stereo.
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): If your streaming device outputs digital audio, consider using a DAC to convert the signal for your analog stereo.

Smart Amplifiers

Integrated Solutions: Consider replacing your amplifier with a smart amplifier that has built-in streaming capabilities. This can simplify the setup and improve sound quality.


I think the answer you were looking for was along the lines of the Smart Amplifier. I have never heard of them but another search showed this one at Best Buy.

Bluesound - Powernode Edge Streaming Amplifier - Black

I’m using Amazon Music Unlimited currently.

quote:

Bluetooth, Airplay, over wifi, etc

I want to avoid this. Take Bluetooth for example: the app on my phone will receive the 1s and 0s from Amazon Music and I’m not sure what happens next. Either those 1s and 0s get converted to Bluetooth 1s and 0s and then the device receiving the Bluetooth 1s and 0s converts the signal to analog, or the phone’s DAC converts the Amazon Music 1s and 0s to analog, then the phone converts the analog to Bluetooth 1s and 0s, the receiving device converts those 1s and 0s back to analog again. I don’t have great ears at my age, but I can hear the difference between a Bluetooth connection and a wired connection from my phone to the killer stereo in my son’s car. I’m fairly sure the new Klipschorns will make the difference even more obvious.

My understanding is AirPlay does the same thing except over WiFi.

I want to avoid the conversions and reconversions as the higher bit and sampling rates from the streaming services get lost in the process.

Using apps on the TV isn’t a bad idea, but I read that again the higher bit and sampling rates get lost in the process.

I have an AV receiver that takes the 1s and 0s directly from Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, etc. runs them through its built in DAC and out the amp to the speakers. It connects to my network either with WiFi or Ethernet, but it’s an 11.4 channel and way overkill for what I want for the new speakers.

I’ve been looking at this: NAD C 368 BluOS-2i, but it doesn’t have an HDMI input.

Use the amp you have and hook the speakers up as left and right.

You already have the needed components

Unless the signal source is in a surround format it will only be 2ch

I don’t understand the most recent post—all his audio gear was stolen.

I am looking at Crutchfield, where they have a bunch of Denon amplifiers and receivers that offer HEOS, which is ability to get internet streaming over wi-fi to your speakers. That is, wi-fi streaming service to your amp which can then be wired to your speakers.

Frankly, as an old fart myself, I don’t think I lose anything by playing over Bluetooth. Bluetooth AptX is the highest fi version; I think Apple doesn’t support that IIRC.

quote:

I’m guessing I need a DAC, preamp, amp, and some sort of device that connects the internet to the DAC or some combination of those boxes. I’ve got Amazon Music Unlimited, but could switch in November.

Based on your past system ~ all you need is a {receiver/integrated amp/ preamp-amp} unit of one of these types.

Then all you need is a steaming device such a WiiM > https://www.wiimhome.com/wiimpro/overview.

^^ you can either use the built in DAC by using the analog output connected to the analog inputs or bypass the internal DAC and use one if so equipped on/in an amplifier if it is better.

Then use your phone to send your Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz or whatever streaming source to the unit. Note: the phone or PC is not casting ~ it is just controlling or initiating the selection.

WiMM isn't the only one but is a nice unit and very accomplished.

Sme others > https://audiophiles.co/music-streamer/

There are many ways to to accomplish what you want, depending on what all you want.

If you just want a unit to stack on your amp and go up to it and dial in music, there are options for that ~ only those interfaces are not as intuitive as use a web interface on a PC or a phone.

Some networking wired or wifi will be necessary.

For in-depth information about music reproduction, go to:

Audiosciencereview.com

Then use the search to see what you want.

An on-line review for a streamer from erinsaudiocorner.com (WIIM Amp Ultra):

Some specs from the manufacturer are below-

Audio Performance
Power Output (THD = 0.08%, two channels driven): ▪ 100 W per channel @ 8Ω▪ 200 W per channel @ 4Ω
Amplifier Technology : Class-D with PFFB (Post-Filter Feedback) technology
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): ≤0.005%, -106 dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) : ≥120dB
Damping Factor: 94
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz ± 0.5dB
Impedence Range: 2 – 8Ω
Audio Processing
Premium Audio Components: ESS 9039Q2M high-performance DAC, Dual TI TPA3255 Amps, TI OPA1612 op-amps for ultra-low distortion and rich, detailed sound.
Bit-Perfect Playback: Supports up to 192kHz/24-bit audio
Dynamic Range: ≥120dB for high-resolution sound“

Price - about $550.00. Have fun!!

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
I’m using Amazon Music Unlimited currently.

quote:

Bluetooth, Airplay, over wifi, etc

I want to avoid this. Take Bluetooth for example: the app on my phone will receive the 1s and 0s from Amazon Music and I’m not sure what happens next. Either those 1s and 0s get converted to Bluetooth 1s and 0s and then the device receiving the Bluetooth 1s and 0s converts the signal to analog, or the phone’s DAC converts the Amazon Music 1s and 0s to analog, then the phone converts the analog to Bluetooth 1s and 0s, the receiving device converts those 1s and 0s back to analog again. I don’t have great ears at my age, but I can hear the difference between a Bluetooth connection and a wired connection from my phone to the killer stereo in my son’s car. I’m fairly sure the new Klipschorns will make the difference even more obvious.

My understanding is AirPlay does the same thing except over WiFi.

I want to avoid the conversions and reconversions as the higher bit and sampling rates from the streaming services get lost in the process.

Using apps on the TV isn’t a bad idea, but I read that again the higher bit and sampling rates get lost in the process.

I have an AV receiver that takes the 1s and 0s directly from Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, etc. runs them through its built in DAC and out the amp to the speakers. It connects to my network either with WiFi or Ethernet, but it’s an 11.4 channel and way overkill for what I want for the new speakers.

I’ve been looking at this: NAD C 368 BluOS-2i, but it doesn’t have an HDMI input.

^^^ From what I gather ~ you are concerned that the initial device (phone, tablet, PC, etc) would do the "processing" of the digital content and then pass it on to the end device (amp) and are concerned with potential performance issues?

With a proper streaming device (such as the WiiM I mentioned) there is no processing on the source unit as it is just a controller.
So your are not playing music from for example your phone ~ you are just providing the instructions for what to be played via an App.
Everything is processed with the internal DAC and output is analog or as I mentioned the internal DAC (which is quite good btw) can be bypassed and sent directly to the amp unit if it has an internal DAC and then processed there.
I do this on one of my devices as the I have an expensive external DAC (Topping D9) that is connected to an old school system.
Others for more general listening I use the internal DAC of the WiiM Pro (other rooms like garage).
And you can do a whole room environment such as what Sonos does.

I imagine other units also do this and maybe even the NAD unit does, I am only familiar with the WiiM unit.

Frankly, as an old fart myself, I don’t think I lose anything by playing over Bluetooth.

So true… I am in my 85th year and my upper limit of hearing I down to 4,000 Hz; I can afford fairly high end equipment, but my hearing no longer justifies really fine tweeters - now lost on me. I cannot hear a triangle anymore

I would be bouncing off the walls just staring at the speakers. ;>
Proceed to Amazon and drop $500 on the WiiM Amp Ultra with Voice Remote 2, while you research what you want.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: springnr,

quote:

Originally posted by springnr:
I would be bouncing off the walls just staring at the speakers. ;>
Proceed to Amazon and drop $500 on the WiiM Amp Ultra with Voice Remote 2, while you research what you want.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^*
This for sure!!

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:

^^^ From what I gather ~ you are concerned that the initial device (phone, tablet, PC, etc) would do the "processing" of the digital content and then pass it on to the end device (amp) and are concerned with potential performance issues?

Correct. The old way was put a record on the turntable. Then, it was put a CD in the CD player. Either way, I have a basic understanding of how the signal is taken from the storage medium and gets to my speakers. With streaming services, there seems to be a dozen ways and I’m stuck in analysis paralysis. Bluetooth, Bluetooth Aptx, HEOS, BluOS, Roon, etc.

The Wiim unit sounds like what I’m looking for along with a good integrated preamp and maybe a better DAC.

quote:

Originally posted by springnr:
I would be bouncing off the walls just staring at the speakers. ;>

The painter’s are still painting and I wouldn’t want to ruin their fine work. The speakers are in terminal limbo at the moment and won’t be delivered until tomorrow. They arrived at the destination terminal on Friday, but won’t be taken out of the tractor trailer until today then early tomorrow morning they’ll figure the routes out and let me know about what time they’ll be at the house. I haven’t been watching that 659 pound pallet making its way across the country since the 10th.

quote:

Originally posted by tleddy:
Frankly, as an old fart myself, I don’t think I lose anything by playing over Bluetooth.

So true… I am in my 85th year and my upper limit of hearing I down to 4,000 Hz; I can afford fairly high end equipment, but my hearing no longer justifies really fine tweeters - now lost on me. I cannot hear a triangle anymore

I can’t hear above 15kHz, but my kids can. I played a frequency sweep I found on Amazon Music through a set of used Klipsch Fortés I just picked up and measured it with an app on my phone. The app said the speakers were playing sound above 15kHz, but I couldn’t hear it. I called my teenage kids in and they could.

Sonos Amp. It has all the popular streaming services baked in and an HDMI in for the ARC channel from the TV.

With wired speakers, HEOS isn't really the answer. HEOS sends data over wifi to speakers that then convert to analog and have their own built in amplifier. Like to play music over small speakers in the bathroom while you're cleaning up in the morning. Wifi has so much bandwidth that the quality should be great. Bluetooth not so much. For some applications, but not yours HEOS (and Sonos) are good solutions.

Think of your streaming device as a CD player without the DAC. It sends digital data via HDMI to the receiver, which then does the conversion to analog and amplifies it. You could use your phone or tablet, but personally I believe I can hear a significant decrease in sound quality.

Ideally, have a dedicated streaming device like the Appletv or others people have recommended, which connects via HDMI link to your receiver. You are likely to be able to control everything with one remote control due to HDMI eARC. The cost for these devices is cheap. Since they simply pass the digital stream to your receiver, the quality is however good the streaming service provides.

I caution against relying on apps running on your phone or tablet to control your equipment. They can be buggy and go obsolete. As an additional choice, yes, but not as the sole access to control the streaming device or receiver.

It depends on what you want to spend.

equipment runs from $50 to 5,000+.

I have always liked the sound out of my NAD equipment. Cambridge Audio also makes a good box.

My hearing is so bad now it doesn't matter even with hearing aids.

My well spent youth with guns, loud engines, power tools.