3 Reasons to Buy a Music Streamer | Moon Audio

[@moon-audio]

In case you missed it, we’re currently giving away the new Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling headphones paired with one of our custom Black Dragon Portable Headphone Cables - a $550 value - free to one of our loyal followers! Submissions close on September 19th, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST. Click here for more info: www.moon-audio.com/video-sony-wh-1000xm5-headphones-black-dragon-portable-cable-giveaway

[@jamiermathlin]

I purchased a Bluesound Node, hoping for this discussed improvment in sound quaility over my 2021 Macbook Pro, feeding digitally into my Chord Hugo TT2 DAC, sadly there was a noticable reduction in sound quaility moving to the Node, from the MacBook pro, the Node seemed to have a more closed and less dynamic sound, with a noticable reduction in Clarity. It has been recommended that I consider a NAD streamer, so I will be auditioning soon, lets see what happens. For Reference my system is Chord Hugo TT2 DAC, Music Fedelity M8xi Amp and Bowers and Wilkins 804 D4 speakers, Mogami RCA 2964 interconect cables and QED XT40i speaker cables.

[@solitaire5142]

I had the same experience. My solution, CD`s through a dedicated transport and a good DAC!

[@Lee-yt1de]

I can use tidal connect straight to my avr, would a separate streamer make the music better? I tried the node and I couldn't hear a difference, sorry I'm really clueless at this stuff

[@LawofAxis]

You need a good DAC, also. Get that and you'll be amazed.

[@solitaire5142]

@@LawofAxis I have a great $2500 Musical Fidelty DAC, CD`s sound spectacular, streaming, not so.

[@kyuushin84]

you can improve sound quality by using a high quality ddc or usb filter to reduce noise and jitter in usb cables

[@GunnyPhillips]

Very well presented. The tech nerd in me wants to embrace dedicated streamers but the practical side feels my ears wouldn't really care enough to justify the cost.

[@GeirRssaak]

You are so right!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

what if you’re judging this from a position of inexperience

[@michaelmueller3228]

You are here watching clips from Moon audio, this stuff is pure luxury, forget about justifying the cost and enjoy it!

[@slyspy9819]

I'm on the fence on whether to buy and what to buy if I do ....very confusing and this video helped

[@gregcoleman6670]

Child of 70s, hifi buff of90s (vinyl/cds) and dinosaur of the streaming age. I've been struggling to catch up with what I need to convert my huge physical music collection into digital. Was blind but now I see. Amazing! Thanks!

[@mikec1341]

Many of us are in the same stream (I'd say boat but I'm 2 decades behind you as a child of the 50s...)

[@Kevinschart]

It's a lot to catch up too. I just turned 40 and I play music constantly, but I never upgraded my music setup beyond a crappy little shelf system. I'm diving in the deep end to make up for lost time.

[@Krunch2020]

At 67 years young I’m tired of my records and CD’s. Hearing loss means I’m listening to a hearing device and not my McIntosh with JBL’s. I don’t think a streamer or DAC is in my future.

[@_winston_smith_]

What is the proposed mechanism for a streamer to affect the sound quality if you are using a separate DAC? Everything in the digital domain prior to the DAC should be presented to the DAC bit perfect. The DAC itself can affect sound quality, but the streamer should not have any impact on sound quality in a properly functioning system.

[@moon-audio]

There are many different things that can be done to a digital signal before it is processed. It can be upscaled, reclocked, filter out noise/artifacts, etc. so not all digital signals are the same. A streamer provides a clean, clear, digital signal to the DAC to sound it's best. Many basic consumer level devices that have a streaming function aren't capable of processing full PCM 32bit/768kb signals, DSD at all, many lossless file types, and can even down sample the lossless streaming service you are listening to. A streamer is a great option for people who have large, high quality music libraries. It also benefits those who want to listen to Tidal, Qobus, or any other lossless streaming service. If you use a service that compresses the audio, like Spotify, or if you don't think you want a high end streamer it is always at your discretion! We recommend trying one out if you get the chance to see if it would be worthwhile to you.

[@Hoekstes]

If any modern pc sends lossless bits to a DAC, that’s what it gets. Just because it is possible to process digital files (typically through software) does not mean they are processed. That’s why modern recording studios use computers. Streamers won’t improve your sound quality but will diminish the value of your wallet contents.

[@_winston_smith_]

@@Hoekstes 💯

[@GeirRssaak]

Dear Winston! The new overprized transports and DACs are just copies of the great masters, Philips, Sony and teac-tascam!

[@GeirRssaak]

You are so right!

[@wheelyman81]

Thanks for this very clear, balanced and informative video. It encapsulates most of the knowledge I've picked up thus far. However, IV still not convinced that I need a streamer. I tend to use Spotify as a search engine to narrow down my choices - then, once I've decided, I'll buy the cd. New or pre-owned, I don't mind. The cd is the basic unit for me, not the file or the streaming service. I can't be the only one who works this way!

[@GeirRssaak]

You are so right!

[@cleantheocean]

7:22 - "Reason number three: a streamer can allow you to take your phone or computer out of the playback equation" Question: does this applies to any to any streamer device and to any streamer service, like KZbin Music or Pandora? I'm aware it doesn't because I've returned an Amazon Echo speaker just because of this lack (and the poor sound quality). So, the real question is: which dedicated streamer allow me to playback KZbin Music taking my "phone or computer out of the playback equation"?

[@moon-audio]

Streaming is still controlled via your phone/computer as a remote, but any apps supported by your streamer are directly played back on your streamer (bypassing the processing of your phone/computer), giving you the best audio quality! 🙂

[@robertwang7825]

I was using my IPhone 15 Pro then changed to Eversolo A6 ME into my DDC - DAC. It is very clear diff. It wld take an entire para to list. Very happy with the purchase.

[@pangloss9]

Do any of these streaming devices work with Apple Music?

[@Karim-ik5ij]

So speaking about pure sound quality. PC to DC to preamp to amp is worse quality than streamer to dac to preamp to amp?

[@kyuushin84]

I bought a wiim pro just to use it in a party to use its streaming services was easier to play music but in the end i was using it in my system with my dac since it improved a lot the sound quality and now i'm thinking about buying eversolo dmp a6 or teac nt505x

[@stilllifeproductions5017]

Just the video I needed. Thanks very much! I have several systems coming from my PC- all linked via RCA to Cat6 back to RCA at the amps. As I was seeking to find a way to get all this music "piped" upstairs, someone suggested a streamer. This video has been a comprehensive instruction manual for an old-school, childhood audio-buff like me...

[@moon-audio]

So glad you liked it. We appreciate the feedback! 🙂

[@GeirRssaak]

You should use your phone instead! Do not waste your money on overprized streaming gear! Greetings from geir Røssaak ,jessheim Norway!

[@cunawarit]

My favorite streamer is a Raspberry Pi running Volumio. You can set up multiple units around the house for a full multi-room sound experience. The best part is the complete flexibility in configuration. Need a built-in DAC? No problem-just add a hat for that! Prefer to go without and connect to a USB DAC? Skip the hat!. For storage, you can set up a media server, and all your Volumio nodes will access music from it, as well as from any streaming service you subscribe to.

[@hipidipi20157max]

Excellent video. The best so far explaining what I wanted to know. Thank You!

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Bluesound node ,love it!🔊✌️🍻

[@aureliensausse7637]

Bluesound? What is weird than a bluesound? You pay expensive for a low coast Dac.. Try another one and you will understand 😅

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

@@aureliensausse7637 I use an AKM 4458 with that so ya I’m good 🙄

[@Asoka-great]

@@aureliensausse7637 its good for that price point. love the app.

[@hipidipi20157max]

I want to stream music but from music I already have on Hard drive. I want to stream it to bluetooth speakers but not having to keep my computer turned on. Is there some kind of giant ipod with at least 2 TB drive and a small screen like the size of a CD?

[@DavidslvPT]

This was very helpful, I've been thinking a lot acquiring a streamer

[@moon-audio]

Glad it was helpful! Please let us know if we could help you further: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us 🙂

[@Nexodon]

WiiM at 100 bucks, optical output, and you're done! :)

[@RahzAlGhul]

So if my processor had Bluetooth I don’t need a streamer if I’m only streaming from say Apple Music or Qobuz?

[@prabhuja7554]

Have the second episode published ??

[@moon-audio]

We're actually working on an even more expanded Music Streaming series, coming out soon! In the meantime, you can check out our blog here: www.moon-audio.com/how-to-buy-a-music-streamer 🙂

[@Ronaldo-iz6ji]

Hi what is the main difference between aurender n150 vs n10????

[@randomtube8226]

I wish it was as simple as it sounds. Be prepared to have a degree in computer software in order to operate a streamer. I can't find help setting mine up 😞

[@moon-audio]

Sorry to hear you're having trouble! Let us know if we can help here: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us

[@christopherspiro9857]

Thank you! This cleared up sooo many questions. Awesome!

[@Aggie1295]

What can a music streamer do that my Audio/Video Receiver, that has several streaming services built into it, can't do? My receiver isn't the very best, but it's a decent one.

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

Tyvm for the vid. Since Windows 11 now supports android apps; I wonder if it would be possible to control the android streamer software playback. If this would work this would give users the option to control their media via windows but not actually go thru windows but instead use the streamer. I'm def going to look into this.

[@datdudeinred]

Sure it will work but it definitely won't be bit perfect, nor it will be like spotify/tidal connect as that actually sends the streams of audio directly to your streamer through their servers & not through phones to streamer. All these things definitely work in simple win11 with android apps you will be better off with using rasberry pi for such streaming diy ways.

[@thepuma2012]

@@datdudeinred I use Qobuz, and i can stream that via apps on mobile phone, or control it via a normally downloaded app (from Qobuz) on my windows PC. Both control the stream to my Moon Mind 180. I bought it second hand and that was the best upgrade I have ever done. The sound is amazing, even though i have not the best speakers.

[@Teachering]

I play and I enjoy CDs. There is no need for this video to be critical of CDs. Many, many audiophiles like me still buy, collect, and listen to CDs. It is what I prefer and it has many advantages over streaming. All that Moon Audio needs do is discuss music streaming. You don't need to sell me on the idea. Should I subscribe to Moon Audio??

[@moon-audio]

We don't mean to knock CD audiophiles like you. But one of the major perks of hi-res music streaming is no physical music library. To some, that means a lot! But in your case, we totally get the desire to keep physical media around. Hope you'll still consider subscribing! 🙂

[@Teachering]

@@moon-audio Since watching the Moon Audio video, "3 Reasons to Buy a Music Streamer", I find myself investigating the various streamers vying for attention. Compelling.

[@moon-audio]

@Teachering that's great feedback! What are you looking to learn more next? We are working on future content now and would love to hear your feedback. Would you like some comparison videos at different price points? CDs versus just streaming? We are all ears. 🙂

[@GeirRssaak]

No ,music streaming, even high resolution, do not sound better than cd-sacd! I have tried it all, even on very expensive gear! Many blindtests have proved it!

[@Teachering]

A good comment. It is important to know.@@GeirRssaak

[@PatricePlet]

And what about Chrome-cast Audio, which is then connected with an optical cable to the optical input on my AVR . So the DAC in the amplifier does the number crunching? Way cheaper solution isn' t it?

[@moon-audio]

Chromecast audio does have other limitations and won't perform on the same level as the streamers in this video. For example, having your only digital output being an optical out means you are limited to a maximum of 24bit 96kHz, whereas having a coaxial output you can get up to 24bit 192kHz and with USB/I2S you can get up to 32bit 768kHz. There are a lot of other features these streamers offer that the Chromecast audio does not have (Roon Ready, multiple streaming services supported natively, built in local file management, SSD drives for file caching, etc.). That said, Chromecast Audio can certainly stream to your AVR, and we carry many other streamers if you would ever like to upgrade your system. 🙂

[@PatricePlet]

@@moon-audio But for streaming with for instance Tidal, the music streaming service, offers high-fidelity audio streaming. They have two subscription tiers: "Tidal Premium" and "Tidal HiFi." Tidal HiFi offers lossless, high-fidelity audio quality with a bit depth of 16 bits and a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz or higher, including the option for Masters-quality audio at 96 kHz/24 bit or 192 kHz/24 bit. So Chromecast would be sufficient wouldn't it?

[@moon-audio]

@@PatricePlet We have no experience with Chromecast products.

[@alliedfroth]

I'm confused when it comes to DACs? I have an Amp with a DAC built in & if I buy a Streamer with a DAC what DAC is being used? Does the streamer DAC ignore the Amp DAC? I'm led to believe that a good quality DAC = Good quality sound, so if one of the DACs is not as good as the other.... I think you know what I'm trying to understand here. Thanks for any info on this.

[@moon-audio]

We fully understand your confusion. DAC is the Digital to Analog Convertor, so the DAC being used is where you are using a digital input (USB, Toslink, Coax, AES/EDU, etc.) to an analog output (Headphone/Speaker outputs, Dual RCA, and Dual XLR preamp outputs). To put this in context: If you are using a streamer and then use the Preamp output of the Streamer to your AMP (you are using the DAC on the Streamer). If you are using a usb output of your streamer to your DAC/Amp (you are using the DAC included in your DAC/AMP). For further questions, please reach out to us via our Contact Us form! www.moon-audio.com/contact-us

[@GeirRssaak]

The hifi frauds can put 4 DACs into the signal chain!

[@mikethebeginner]

What I don't get is, if I'm buying a streamer to improve my desktop system, will the streamer still play the audio from the computer? Like, say, this KZbin video?

[@moon-audio]

It will just play what is sent to it over the network. If it's just for a desktop system, a DAC/Amp on your desk might be a better fit!

[@dsmyify]

This is a great video. Thanks.

[@daboundy]

Thank you ... I'm late to the game for streaming et al .. and although I knew most of the concepts of that which you've discussed, it was nice to hear someone EXPLAIN, as opposed to go straight over everybody's heads as if we all knew this from birth. I will haunt your channel now ...........👻😉 (Seems by the other comments I'm not alone)

[@67spankadelik]

Hiby R5 (which I already own) connected to my dac via Moon Audio coax was the answer for me. Roon is too expensive and so are the streamers.

[@liamporter1137]

Just bought EverSolo A6 streamer and DAC. But I only use it as a transport as I already have a separate DAC. Yes, a streamer is awesome.

[@timauger]

Very clear and welcome.

[@35ozgur]

I have cdj 2000 nexsus2 but no FLAC data :/ not even one but I have many CDs and start buying online mp3 I am older person these things are new ;)

[@mikec1341]

Gregcoleman6670 said it best. Many of us are looking at the possibilities of updating our hardware knowledge. Some of us, heaven forbid, even still have some original vinyl.

[@alfredtolentino8614]

Where's part 2?

[@moon-audio]

We put together a more expansive version of this video, which you can watch here: kzbin.info/aero/PLyWNc2NGoDUNnCdGXY_TShvK-pnEDXLY- 🙂

[@alfredtolentino8614]

@@moon-audio 👍thanks 🙏🏼 😊

[@railwaystationmaster]

Superb info thanks .

[@moon-audio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@railwaystationmaster]

@@moon-audio Your advice would be greatly appreciated here , I have a Moon Mind 180 currently connected to a Chord Dave via AES the sound quality output is 44 or cd level , If I upgraded the internals to Moon 2 would the sound quality be higher , many thanks .

[@moon-audio]

We do not sell Simaudio products, but a similar device we'd recommend for better sound quality would be the Bricasti M5 [ www.moon-audio.com/bricasti-m5-network-player.html ]. As always, please reach out to us here for more product advice: www.moon-audio.com/contact-us 🙂

[@ZERO-CAPACITANCE]

Just subscribed!! I like her

[@gatsby8870]

Great review!

[@giannislarch]

Very nice presentation, congratulations!!✅

[@moon-audio]

Thank you very much!

[@freyafoxmusic]

Thank you thank you

[@moon-audio]

You are very welcome!

[@dsmyify]

Local streaming... Raspberry Pi running a DNLA server and external hard drive. Cheap as chips.

[@BugLightGeek]

Where is part 2? How to buy a music streamer?

[@moon-audio]

Hi Chris, you can read more on that here: www.moon-audio.com/how-to-buy-a-music-streamer 🙂

[@BugLightGeek]

@@moon-audio Thanks!

[@GeirRssaak]

Part 3,how to bury a music streamer!

[@briancampbell7712]

I think the Aqua linQ Streamer made in Milan Italy should be called the best streamer on the market🎶🎶🎶

[@michaelkaercher]

Excuse me. But I can only hope that those streamer companies do not alter the sound in any way. The last thing I need is an ai algorithm tampering with 30% of the sound. The sound generation is the job of the audio engeneer at production time and the job of the dac at playback time.

[@LS-ti6jo]

Isn't it funny that we can easily stream music from CD's we own but not movies that we own?

[@andresroaaguirre1954]

How about the Andover songbird?

[@michaelkaercher]

The streamer is responsible for 30% of the sound quality? Where does that misinformation come from? The streamer has no business modifying the sound. It delivers the music stream unaltered to the DAC. There are streamers doing some basic digital signal processing like equalizing the sound but that does not improve the signal only catering for weaknesses of the later signal chain. Better leave it untouched.

[@Duijnkiller]

eversolo dmp-A8

[@theoracleprodigy]

Personally I still don't get it. I have a fire stick and Plex. It's awesome allows me to stream and gives an interface like roon. I also have blue sound node. Can I tell a difference in sound? No not really.

[@solitaire5142]

Convenient yes but my CD`s still sound better than streams.

[@BrandonRyan]

Nonsense. You can play higher res audio via streaming. Also you can bypass CD player DACs

[@solitaire5142]

Thats not an apples to apples comparison now, is it?@@BrandonRyan

[@BrandonRyan]

@@solitaire5142 Yes it is. What are you talking about? CDs don't sound better than streaming unless you are streaming low quality mp3s.

[@solitaire5142]

That is incorrect. CD wav. streams pale in comparison to actual physical CD wav. I`ve compared dozens. Streams sound like shit in direct A/B comparisons, every time. @@BrandonRyan

[@GeirRssaak]

You are totally right! I have tried all sorts of streaming, even high resolution, but it cannot outperform cd-sacd! Greetings from geir Røssaak, jessheim Norway!

[@yellow_noise3]

m'am, ROON is only PC software - kinda service integrator, and it is FAR TOOOOO EXPENSIVE for what it does. To stream good quality (best is Quobuz - real FLAC uncompressed music, MQA is fake and is lossy by the way) really use ANY bitperfect software on you computer (best if it is dedicated computer with linear PSU of course) and play to your DAC whatever service you want. Of course dedicated streamer is even better hardware piece for that. ifi Zen or arylic up2stream Pro or oridnary Raspberry Pi with good SPDIF output hat (like Allo Audio) make work... and you don't need overpriced ROON

[@Schaneification]

They good if you Have a Stereo HiFI from 1960's 1970'S 1980's or !990's ! But If you are buy New stereo receiver They are useless ! A new Stereo Receiver can do everything Music Streamer cab do !

[@yttean98]

That's they call you an influencer.

[@GeirRssaak]

People can use their smartphones!

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

I’ve tried a few streamers they sounded harsh , I think it’s a con to buy streamers because CD players are on there way out

[@tobybarker6808]

Nothing added to a software solution (such as Plex) other than a cool gadget syndrome. For 99% of people this is a solution looking for a problem.

[@theelektronicompozer]

Sorry young lady but CD stands are cool. What ain’t cool is a home entertainment center with zero physical media.

[@lawrence.porter]

Some streaming services won’t work on these unless you have a paid subscription. Also it’s against the law to rip your CDs if you’re doing it to getting rid of them.

[@beepover]

Streaming is Low-Fi! If you go this route go with a well reviewed DAP.

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

Long life to Wiim mini!!!

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

Streaming is just an advertising platform to buy physical media, Like Compact Disc. That's the way it's been for almost 100 years and that's the way we like it. Why should we change?If it wasn't for physical media none of these manufacturers would even exist. They wouldn't have jobs at all.

[@ALed-j7u]

which physical media are you refering to? which physical media is still being sold in significant amounts?

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

@@ALed-j7u What difference does it make?

[@bondjovi4595]

Don't need one. $500.00, sounds crazy.

[@getstew]

I hate it when people use the "It's, well,..." and think they're being clever with the word play. It over-used A LOT.

[@GeirRssaak]

Dear teachering! Do not waste your money!if you want to play cd-sacd, you do not need a snakeoil DAC, because the inboard DAC is more than good!remember that all new transports and DACs are just copy copies of the grand masters Philips, Sony and teac-tascam!!

[@dvvaughn564]

Tidal literally the worst service.

[@IvicaMarusevic]

Roon has became ridiculously overpriced in 2023

[@barryburdett2518]

I see TEAC once again rears its ugly head. Who owns them now, Crapco?