AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Cheap and Cheerful HiFi => Topic started by: Bsmooth on 6 Feb 2019, 08:09 pm

Title: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 6 Feb 2019, 08:09 pm
Just joined here and I am slightly confused. My wife picked me up a small Yamaha MCR-232BL for christmas, for our smallish bedroom.
I am in the process of ripping my CD's to either MP3 or Flac. Going to store them on USB Flash drives.
I can get a few stations where I am, but I'm on the fringe of radio reception. Recently I was looking and found out about DAC's and streaming as well, neither of which I know much about.
 I got rid of the Yamaha speakers and picked myself up some AudioEngine A5 classics. So far they sound great. I'm driving them from the headphone output as the Yamaha doesn't have much for outputs.
First would a DAC help the sound at all?
Second would a Streaming DAC help me at all? Do you pay for streaming like a subscription? Also I read about the Yamaha WXAD10, and all the reviews were really good, but not even sure you can buy one here in the US.
Plus I'm not sure If I can add any of this to the MCR-232BL anyways.
Lots of questions, hopefully someone would be kind enough to help answer them. Thanks ahead of time.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: JLM on 6 Feb 2019, 09:58 pm
Welcome.  I'll try to help, but it's been a long time since I had such a device.

From what I've found the unit has been discontinued, quite common for such offerings.

Have you tried connecting AM and/or FM antenna(s) to improve reception?

The Audioengine A5 classics should be a nice step up.  I did something similar 40+ years ago to upgrade my system.

All outputs from the MCR-232BL are analog, so no way to add a DAC.  Streaming would involve having some sort of internet connection, which the MCR-232BL lacks, to bring in a service such as Spotify or Tidal which cost $10-20 per month. 

From my understanding the only way you could use USB flash drives would be to use a mini RCA (1/8 inch plug) component plugged into the auxiliary input that could actively (powered) load USB flash drives.  Sorry, don't know anything about such a component, but it seems that using the correct generation of iPhone, iPod, or iPad would be easier.

If you have a computer available a $99 Audioquest Dragonfly Black can drive your Audioengine speakers. Your library can be ripped onto the computer (or USB flash drives plugged into the computer), you can then stream music, and you can also listen to internet radio.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Letitroll98 on 6 Feb 2019, 10:08 pm
Two separate things.  Streaming is an online service that can be free (YouTube, Spotify or Pandora basic) or $10 to $20.  Spotify and Pandora premium service is $10 and you get MP3 320 type sound quality.  Tidal and Qobus are $20 for premium that gives CD quality sound.  You stream the service through your phone, tablet, or laptop.  DACs are components that convert digital signals to analog.  For your setup I'd go with a portable DAC because the only input I can see is the mini jack, which is the exact output you get from portable DACs.  I'd recommend either the Sabaj da2 or da3 as finances allow, the da3 would be best used with laptops and tablets as it consumes a lot of power for a phone, both available on Amazon.  The are about a zillion more models, I know these two sound fabulous.  You'll need a mini to mini jack cable, also on Amazon.  And a longer USB than the one supplied if you want your DAC any distance from the streaming device.  You could also just run the DAC to the speakers and skip the Yamaha.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: WC on 6 Feb 2019, 10:40 pm
Do you have any apple devices with 30 pin connectors still functioning? If so you could use them to stream or stream to them with airfoil satellite (separate program).
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 7 Feb 2019, 12:11 am
Start with a Klipsch Gate streamer, your active A5 speakers and your phone for the app to control everything. It's $30, does hirez and will stream everything (NAS, music services, etc). Let me know if you have questions:

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-1063275-Gateway-Wireless-Multi-Room/dp/B01M5B793S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549498105&sr=8-1&keywords=klipsch+gate
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Doublej on 7 Feb 2019, 12:29 am
Streaming is simple at the moment. Spend $20 for an Amazon Echo Input. Currently you can stream TuneIn, iHeart and Pandora for free. Don't forget to buy a 3.5mm jack to 3.5mm jack cable if you don't have one as I don't think the Echo Input comes with this cable.

Connect one end of the cable to the Amazon Echo Input and the other to the aux input on the back on the Yamaha receiver and you are good to go.

https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Input-Bring-Alexa-speaker/dp/B07BFRHZLB

If you want to pay for a monthly stream you can get the deluxe versions of the above apps or purchase a subscription to Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and/or SirriusXM.

Happy Streaming!
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 7 Feb 2019, 01:18 am
Man talk about some options, now I'm even more confused. The Yamaha has a Dock, and I just happen to have the 1st gen Ipod Touch, the one with the chrome back. But I'm a bit confused, I can't use a DAC or can I, and would it even make a difference? From the sound of it I can stream If I have an apple Ipod Touch?.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: JLM on 7 Feb 2019, 12:03 pm
#1 factor in sound reproduction system performance is the speakers.  #2 is the room/setup.  #3 is the pre/power amplification.  #4 is the source.  #5 is the DAC.

If you're half-way serious about sound reproduction, I wouldn't invest much in this piece.  It's a typical feature rich, quality poor, and now out of date plastic product marketed to pre-teenagers.  With your Audioengine powered speakers I recommend looking for a mid-fi DAC/preamp and rip your CDs to a connected computer (BlueTooth/Apple Play would be sweet to avoid a wired connection).  The computer would provide access to streaming and internet radio, so no need for AM/FM.  Your system would then be similar in configuration to mine.  Check out DACs here under the Cheap and Cheerful Circle for suggested DAC/preamps.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: lacro on 7 Feb 2019, 03:58 pm
I agree with  Doublej but instead of the Amazon Echo input, get an Echo Dot. Connect it directly to the second analog input on the speakers, not the Yamaha. This will give you a wifi internet enabled streaming devise with VOICE commands, and there is a whole lot more use for the Dot. Another added feature besides the free streaming sources Doublej suggested is any music you have ever purchased from Amazon, either CD's or downloads is available to play on the Echo Dot free.

The Echo Dot is currently $49.95, but is often $29.00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792KTHKJ/ref=fs_ods_aucc_dt
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Doublej on 7 Feb 2019, 04:12 pm
If you are looking to stream your own library then yes get a streamer with DAC and preamp. Then you can connect it to the Yamaha aux input and see how the sound changes. You can also connect it directly to the Audio Engine speakers directly and see how that sounds too.

Perhaps something like this Pioneer Elite N-30?

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Audiophile-Network-Player-AirPlay/dp/B00AW0SV8G

I agree with lacro. If you can find the Echo Dot 3 for $30 it's well worth the extra $10 for the light ring alone (as well as the ability to operate it as a standalone sepaker).
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: randytsuch on 7 Feb 2019, 05:45 pm
Did you have a budget in mind?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: mboxler on 7 Feb 2019, 06:05 pm
Seems like Bsmooth is just learning about music streaming. 

Why not create a free Pandora or Spotify account, install the app on the Ipod Touch (assuming it is connected to his wi-fi), and play through the dock?  Or is the assumption that the dock won't work this way.

He can always upgrade from there.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 7 Feb 2019, 08:11 pm
Yes I am just learning. I did go with the Klipsch Gate. For that small amount it seems a good way to learn. So If I understand correctly I then download a Klipsch streaming app and from there somehow Ican access different music streams ?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 8 Feb 2019, 01:48 am
Update the Klipsch streaming app doesn't work with my old Ipod touch. So I may have to invest in say a Kindle Fire instead.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 8 Feb 2019, 03:02 pm
Update the Klipsch streaming app doesn't work with my old Ipod touch. So I may have to invest in say a Kindle Fire instead.

Bsmooth congratulations! The app will work with your phone too. Do you have an android or apple device?
Step 1 is to download the app to your device, please post what type of device you use and I will try and help.
I have the Gate running in my HT which is shockingly good and another one hooked up to a Paradigm Active A2 speaker in my kitchen, it is working great. The app is very easy to use, no worries. If you do get a fire tablet you'll like it, make sure you get a tablet that has Alexa and you can run the system with voice control. "Alexa play Bob Dylan (or whatever) in the living room (or whatever)" and it plays. I find Tidal is excellent but this streamer will also do hirez so once Quboz is available it will be worth checking out IMO.

BTW, when you setup your Gate keep it near your WiFi router to help download the updates. Then place it wherever you want.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 8 Feb 2019, 03:06 pm
Bsmooth, watch this video from Klipsch on how to setup your Gate:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG2GXnRueoc
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 8 Feb 2019, 09:08 pm
I have been listening to Tidal in the "Critical Listening" mode through the Gate and it is sooooo analog sounding. It almost feels like listening to a turntable which I am pleasantly surprising. I hope to try some hirez tracks later.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Doublej on 9 Feb 2019, 12:49 am
With the Klipsch Gate does one have to keep the app open for streaming or is it like a Chromecast meaning once the streaming starts you can close the app(s)?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 9 Feb 2019, 03:38 am
You should keep the app open.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 9 Feb 2019, 06:43 pm
Well I received the Klipsch Gate today. I don't have a great way to hook into my receiver, especailly since I am running mu Audioengine A5's out of my headphone output on the receiver.
So I unplugged my speakers from the headphone and used the Gate 1st coming out of the headphone output into the gate and used the out of the Gate to go to the speakers.
 I'm not sure If thats right, but thats how I did it.
 At first I did sime with and without the gate installed and I must admit at first i didn't notice anything. then I stopped doing a/B tests and just left it in. That was at 11:30 just before lunch. I was going to eat right afterwards. I just couldn't stop listening, I put on a few CD's. Dave Matthews Crash is one of my favorites, and I listened to it and it sounded pretty darn good, I also listened to  some Lame MP3's. I heard Love Reign O'er M by the who. The piano notes were almost startling coming out of the speakers. I'm sure you heard a veil was lifted, well this wasn't a veil, it was a blanket. Everything had more of an attack If thats the right term.
 I'f the DAC in the Gate is making all this difference, its amazing.
 Now If  this device which is definitely Cheap and Cheerful Hifi can make this much of a difference, now all I need is to get a Fire tablet and try the streaming as well.
Thanks very much witchdoctor for your help and very good advice! Also check out his mini review of this device.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 9 Feb 2019, 10:58 pm
Congrats Bsmooth, I had a similar experience as far as the SQ goes. Yes, you connected it properly using the "line in" from your receiver to the Gate and the "line out" from the Gate to your speakers. Once you get your Fire tablet you will be able to stream either way, with the line in or the wireless. I have been listening to a bunch of tracks and still can't get over how nice the DAC is in the Gate. No way did I expect it to sound better than the $500 Bluesound Node but I can't argue with my ears. Does it sound more "analog", like vinyl to you?

I have started to add more DTS Play_fi products around the house.

BTW, I know what you mean when you said you just couldn't stop listening, same here :)

Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Doublej on 10 Feb 2019, 12:41 am
Well I received the Klipsch Gate today. I don't have a great way to hook into my receiver, especailly since I am running mu Audioengine A5's out of my headphone output on the receiver.
So I unplugged my speakers from the headphone and used the Gate 1st coming out of the headphone output into the gate and used the out of the Gate to go to the speakers.
 I'm not sure If thats right, but thats how I did it.
 At first I did sime with and without the gate installed and I must admit at first i didn't notice anything. then I stopped doing a/B tests and just left it in. That was at 11:30 just before lunch. I was going to eat right afterwards. I just couldn't stop listening, I put on a few CD's. Dave Matthews Crash is one of my favorites, and I listened to it and it sounded pretty darn good, I also listened to  some Lame MP3's. I heard Love Reign O'er M by the who. The piano notes were almost startling coming out of the speakers. I'm sure you heard a veil was lifted, well this wasn't a veil, it was a blanket. Everything had more of an attack If thats the right term.
 I'f the DAC in the Gate is making all this difference, its amazing.
 Now If  this device which is definitely Cheap and Cheerful Hifi can make this much of a difference, now all I need is to get a Fire tablet and try the streaming as well.
Thanks very much witchdoctor for your help and very good advice! Also check out his mini review of this device.

When you say put on a few CDs, were you playing them in the Yamaha?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 10 Feb 2019, 01:47 am
Yes I put the CD's on in the Yamaha.Everything just sounds better.Its hard to explain why though. Its more open, but not harsh, its not a hit you over the head difference, maybe thats one of the reasons I listened so long. To be brutally honest, after only a few minutes I was ready to put it back in the box and send it back.
 Its a subtle difference, maybe your right witchdoctor, it might be its sounding a bit more analog, without the pops and cackles and constant wipes with Discwasher and brush.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Letitroll98 on 10 Feb 2019, 12:43 pm
A little bit on maybe why this unit sounds the way it does.
"A little bit to the right, you’ll find a Burr-Brown PCM5121 chip handling the digital-to-analog conversion of the digital signals. It possesses a charge pump generating a symmetrical negative voltage of its positive electrical supply in order to remove the coupling capacitors (leading to an extended response in the bass and no risk of coloration). It also doesn’t require post-filtering thanks to its advanced voltage segmenting architecture (which means a better musicality according to us by removing the active filters with operational amplifier using a very high feedback rate).

https://www.qobuz.com/ie-en/info/hi-fi/bancs-d-essai/klipsch-gate-a-streamer-with-great179353
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: apstoltz on 10 Feb 2019, 01:31 pm
So the Klipsch Gate does have a burr-brown dac? I am going to get a node 2i but may try that fat just for grins. I do have a Chromecast and was not that impressed...to me too much high end and siblance and sounded very digital per say.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 10 Feb 2019, 03:49 pm
I find the SQ of the Gate better than the Node but have not checked out the newer 2i version. I think both OS work fine. If you are doing whole house audio the DTS Play-Fi ecosystem is much more flexible in term of choices. I found the unit gets even better after breaking in a while.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: OzarkTom on 10 Feb 2019, 04:43 pm
I am thinking about a 2i also. Several reviews say the 2i is quite a bit better than the 2. I also like the ability to hook subs up. Does the Gate do that?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 10 Feb 2019, 04:59 pm
I am thinking about a 2i also. Several reviews say the 2i is quite a bit better than the 2. I also like the ability to hook subs up. Does the Gate do that?

There is no sub out on the Gate. Klipsch does make an integrated amp called The Powergate which has a sub out and a lot of other features. It is part of the same wireless collection as the Gate. It's on Amazon for $299 ($999 MSRP) vs $499 for the Node2i. Here is a video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ksk1e6lXAU
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: OzarkTom on 10 Feb 2019, 06:50 pm
Would you know which Class D amp they are using.? Most class D amps I do not like.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: OzarkTom on 10 Feb 2019, 10:33 pm
Now $199 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-PowerGate-Amplified-Wireless-Gateway/dp/B01N0A7PH5

Not too many great reviews.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 11 Feb 2019, 05:37 am
Now $199 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-PowerGate-Amplified-Wireless-Gateway/dp/B01N0A7PH5

Not too many great reviews.

I was worried about reviews too when I bought the Gate and no problems here. I am finding the bad reviews are written by people who had trouble with the software which is why we are getting these low prices. I think for $25 or $30 it is well worth checking out.

I am using another Play-Fi amp in my desktop system, the Paradigm PW. I needed a power amp with a sub out, not an integrated amp like the Powergate. I already have a DAC and a pre in that system. I'll start another thread after I let it burn in a while.


Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 14 Feb 2019, 03:48 pm
Update- Quboz is available in the US starting today and if you own a Gate all you need to do is sign up for the service and you will be streaming in hirez 8)
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 15 Feb 2019, 03:58 pm
Now $199 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-PowerGate-Amplified-Wireless-Gateway/dp/B01N0A7PH5

Not too many great reviews.

Price dropped to $149 so I pulled the trigger on the Powergate, I'll post a review after it burns in. Bought the 4 year protection plan for $8 so I'll be covered just in case. :)

FWIW all products in the DTS Play-Fi ecosystem are hirez and Quboz ready.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 19 Feb 2019, 02:53 pm
Well finally I got my Kindle FireHD 8. After a few frustrating tried the software finally updated and I was all set to stream. My household has Amazon Prime, since my wife uses it for work all the time. So I don't have unlimited music but I do have about 2 million songs to pick from. I picked out a few songs and was almost blown out of the room by the volume, which is not the easiest to control, its very course and goes u quite quickly.
 I was going to try some of the others but kept getting a message about some sort of phone exchange or something like that, so I've held up using any different streamers till I found out what that means.
The sound isn't bad, but seems a tad bright to me, at least compared to some of the FLAC and MP3 files I have from ripping CD's
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 19 Feb 2019, 03:08 pm
Well finally I got my Kindle FireHD 8. After a few frustrating tried the software finally updated and I was all set to stream. My household has Amazon Prime, since my wife uses it for work all the time. So I don't have unlimited music but I do have about 2 million songs to pick from. I picked out a few songs and was almost blown out of the room by the volume, which is not the easiest to control, its very course and goes u quite quickly.
 I was going to try some of the others but kept getting a message about some sort of phone exchange or something like that, so I've held up using any different streamers till I found out what that means.
The sound isn't bad, but seems a tad bright to me, at least compared to some of the FLAC and MP3 files I have from ripping CD's

Hey Bsmooth, you can control the volume 2 ways. There is a slider in the app that you can control with a finger and there are volume buttons and a mute button on top of the gate.
That phone notification is in case you are using a phone device, you can disregard it with a kindle, just click OK and it won't pop up again. Watch this video on how to use the app. You will be able to stream your flac and mp3 files through the Gate NP:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqNTCHKiong
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 19 Feb 2019, 05:24 pm
Definitely feeling the enthusiasm again for listening to music, maybe its because I actually have a place to listen! Always had a great respect for Klipsch products, especially that Klipsch "sound" from the horn drivers.
 So now maybe I don't have klipsch speakers, but I sure have opened the Gate to my music that's for sure. Can't wait to try the other services.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: chrshanl on 19 Feb 2019, 06:08 pm
Waiting for UPS to deliver mine today!
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 19 Feb 2019, 06:13 pm
Yes its quite an unassuming little device, that seems to bring the magic back to music. Subtle at times, but still magic.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Brettio on 19 Feb 2019, 06:52 pm
I cannot wait for Thursday when my Gate arrives. 

Thank you all again, especially witchdoctor, for sharing your time, knowledge, and recommendations. 

Brett
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: annamarykahn on 19 Feb 2019, 07:24 pm
can anyone compare the sound quality of the klipsch to using an amazon echo for streaming?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 19 Feb 2019, 08:12 pm
can anyone compare the sound quality of the klipsch to using an amazon echo for streaming?

Hi, the Gate is a streamer and is in a different category than the Echo. If you want an audiophile version of the Echo that you can use on your network with the Gate and other DTS Play-Fi products there are 3 speakers with Alexa features I am aware of. One by Phorus, another by Pioneer and another by Onkyo. The Phorus PS 10 has been marked down from $250 to $80 on Amazon, here is a review:

https://www.ecoustics.com/products/phorus-ps10-alexa-wireless-speaker/
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 19 Feb 2019, 08:16 pm
Here is another one from Pioneer:

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Smart+Speaker/

Here is the announcement of Alexa and Play-Fi. You can actually tell the speaker or the Gate what to play.

https://play-fi.com/news/dts-play-fi-expands-works-with-alexa-availability-to-new-regions
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: chrshanl on 19 Feb 2019, 10:06 pm
Gates up and running. Initial impressions after just few hours of listening....the Gate sounds better to me than the Node 2i. Bass is less exaggerated. I will have to give it some more time but very happy with this little streamer so far. I should also mention the user interface is better to me than the Bluos. Thanks for the recomendation witchdoctor!
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: annamarykahn on 19 Feb 2019, 10:45 pm
so, which sounds better, streaming through an echo or gate ... to an amp?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 19 Feb 2019, 10:55 pm
so, which sounds better, streaming through an echo or gate ... to an amp?

Through the Gate, to an amp for sure.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 19 Feb 2019, 10:58 pm
Gates up and running. Initial impressions after just few hours of listening....the Gate sounds better to me than the Node 2i. Bass is less exaggerated. I will have to give it some more time but very happy with this little streamer so far. I should also mention the user interface is better to me than the Bluos. Thanks for the recomendation witchdoctor!

Congrats! I really like the interface too, look forward to your impressions. I know what you mean about the bass.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: chrshanl on 19 Feb 2019, 11:09 pm
The price is so cheap many wouldn’t take it serious. I have been building a system for a small room around the node 2i a pair of Proac Studio 3’s and had also purchased some integrateds to audition but could’nt get the bass to sound right. Eventually I decided to sell everything and switch to small active speakers....I am now re-thinking that decision!
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: maplegrovemusic on 19 Feb 2019, 11:34 pm
I just got the Gate today . It will not let me do the critical listening . When I click on the Orange hires emblem for Family room (where the gate is setup) turns black and clicking on Family room gets me a "device not compatible " message . Have googled a lot on the critical listening and can't seem to find anyone else with this problem . Any ideas ?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 20 Feb 2019, 12:59 am
I just got the Gate today . It will not let me do the critical listening . When I click on the Orange hires emblem for Family room (where the gate is setup) turns black and clicking on Family room gets me a "device not compatible " message . Have googled a lot on the critical listening and can't seem to find anyone else with this problem . Any ideas ?

Watch the video below at the 5:30 mark on how to stream in critical listening mode. If that doesn't work please post what happened.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqNTCHKiong
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Bsmooth on 20 Feb 2019, 01:08 am
I was wondering about the critical listening mode as well, I get the same device not compatible. Isn't the critical listening mode only for higher resolution files? Maybe If the music streaming isn't high res, you get the device not compatible? Just a thought.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: maplegrovemusic on 20 Feb 2019, 01:45 am
I think I have it figured out . I found out Quboz had choices to make to get higher Rez on their android ap. I did not have to do this on my desktop version of quboz .
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Cacophonix on 20 Feb 2019, 04:56 pm
Can you stream from your personal music server with Gate?
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: skifasterslc on 20 Feb 2019, 05:18 pm
I am interested in the gate, but have a simple question that is bugging me...... Since this has a 3.5 line out (not a left and right channel out ) how do I connect it to my pre amp to integrate into my system???? I have a emotiva DC-1 with RCA Left right input
I would prefer digital out, but is see that is not an option. 
Thx in advance
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Cacophonix on 20 Feb 2019, 05:28 pm
I think that question was answered earlier .. you need a 1/8" to RCA splitter.
Something like this -
https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMR-206-Stereo-Breakout-Cable/dp/B000068O33
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: lacro on 20 Feb 2019, 09:31 pm
'nother way:


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=190934)
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: srb on 20 Feb 2019, 09:54 pm
If I have the option, my choice is an 1/8"/3.5mm to RCA cable rather than use an adapter.  This way it avoids one additional plug to jack connection in the line.

The difference might be small when using good quality connectors and adapters, but could be more substantial when using lower quality parts.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 20 Feb 2019, 10:38 pm
Can you stream from your personal music server with Gate?

Yes, you can connect to your server on the network very easily within the play-fi app.
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 20 Feb 2019, 10:42 pm
I am interested in the gate, but have a simple question that is bugging me...... Since this has a 3.5 line out (not a left and right channel out ) how do I connect it to my pre amp to integrate into my system???? I have a emotiva DC-1 with RCA Left right input
I would prefer digital out, but is see that is not an option. 
Thx in advance

If you want to get a streamer with a digital out within the Play-Fi ecosystem there are a few others besides the Gate that have digital connections. Check out streamers/pre-amps from Arcam, Paradigm, DefTech, Polk, Martin Logan and Mcintosh. The Gate's SQ is very good if you want to use it's internal Burr Brown DAC and a 3.5 mm to RCA cable/adapter:

https://play-fi.com/products/
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: Brettio on 21 Feb 2019, 02:04 am
I just hooked up my Gate and it completely surpasses my expectations (both in sound and ease of set up)!  I didn’t spend much time trying but I couldn’t hook up through my CD player so I just removed the CDP from the system.  I don’t think I’ll miss it and my wife loves my stereo rack now that the player and stacks of CD’s have been replaced with flowers and figurines!

Thank you again witchdoctor, I could only dream of having this kind of convienence and great sound before you helped me/us.

Brett
Title: Re: Need advice and info on streaming.
Post by: witchdoctor on 21 Feb 2019, 04:19 am
Congrats Brettio! I have been able to stream CD's all over the house, whether redbook or hirez. Use another of the same type of rca to 3.5 mm cable. Connect the RCA out on your CDP to the "line in" on the Gate. Once connected use the app to play the CDP through the Gate. Instructions on the "line in" feature are at the 6:20 mark on the video below. The first time I was able to stream a CD in one room and hear it in other rooms through the Play-Fi network was fun. You can use just one CD player for the whole house. Here is the video:

https://play-fi.com/products/