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Newbie Looking for Advice on Streaming Music

Hello Audiogon world.

I am new to this hobby but I think it will suit me well as it looks like it is an endless pursuit of perfection of sound without ever really getting there.  I love the endless possibilities, difference in thought, technology driven aspect mixed with old school art.

I am in the process of building my first 2 channel set up and recently picked up a Primaluna Dialogue HP and a pair of Sonus Faber Chameleons for starters.

Im looking to stream music from Tidal to the new equipment as simple as possible without compromising sound as much as I possibly can (budget permitting of course)

I have been doing some research and I must say this part of the equation is rather confusing with a lot of technical speak that gets brought into the discussion which is a bit overwhelming for a newbie trying to soak it all in.

Do I need to purchase a high quality DAC?
Can I just buy a streaming box like the Paradigm PW Link or Def Tech W Adapt and hook it into the Primaluna?
Do I go with the Halide Design DAC HD D/A Converter from computer straight into Primaluna?
I also read about the wyred4sound modified Sonos Connect.  Does that plus into a DAC or straight into Amp?

Apologies for all the newbie questions.  I did try searching and doing some research but found myself getting confused.  If someone could help me clear up what I will need that will set me on the path to researching the best value for my budget for each component I will need to accomplish my goals of streaming my music from Tidal.

Thanks in advance.  I think this will be a fun hobby!

Don

donblackie
donblackie OP
12 posts
 
@willemj 
I appreciate all your input as well as everyone else's on this thread.  I used your input to make my next move.

I went ahead and purchased the following:

Google Chromecast Audio
PS Audio Directstream Junior DAC

Toslink full to mini cable as I didnt want to mess with hard wiring my DAC to my network and will use chromecast to connect it.

Will plug this into the PrimaLuna to start and go from there.

donblackie OP
12 posts
 
@uberwaltz  I think I might be going down the same path in the future
The DAC I purchased has balanced outputs.
mesch
1,679 posts
 

For streaming Tidal, I suggested the Node 2 as a place to start. I believe the Node 2 requires an external DAC which should be purchased commensurate with partnering equipment. If Music Hall has them for $300, a great place to start.

I am looking to purchase of a server to for the playback of AIFF files and am considering the Vault 2 which can be used in my secondary system with the internal DAC and in my primary system feeding my Bryston DAC. 
jl35
2,244 posts
 
The Node 2 includes a decent DAC. The one on sale for $299 is not the Node 2. 
mesch
1,679 posts
 
Correct jl35. I just looked up Music Direct. Given the Node 2 includes a DAC the $500 price tag seems quite reasonable. I understand that it will serve music off a external HD as well.
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