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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
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.
jim204
207 posts
 
I would heartily recomend the Oppo Sonica DAC, I use one from my main Computer / DAW to my Head Amp from USB when mastering CD's and can say I have only good things to say about it. I don't use anything else on it but the USB straight in to the Head amp. It does have the apps for networking and it has a superb volume control which again I don't use but it could save the cost of a preamp and with less electronics in the mix should be more transparent. The DAC chips inside are Sabres and the top ones and they are very well implimented so they give top notch sound but do take a long time to burn in. If you can afford to put the digital output from say a DAB radio trough it for a couple of weeks before you do some really serious listening it will reward you in the end with a really open sound for the money.
Good luck, Jim.
willemj
1,036 posts
 
See here for a review of the Sonica DAC: http://archimago.blogspot.nl/search?q=sonica
Summary: it is a good one with two limitations: the analogue input is less than perfect and there is only one optical, coaxial and usb input each. Try to connect a disc player, a tv and a Chromecast or other streamer and you are one input short.
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