Music Streamers

[A Lark Ascending]

Finally modernised my main listening system yesterday with the arrival of:

Naim Unitilite. Had my eye on this for about three years and decided to get one as a retirement present to myself (normal people sail round the world but...). 

Basically everything in one unit apart from speakers. Plug and play - no audio necromancy required. Expensive but probably my last major Hi-Fi buy. 

Spent yesterday just listening to the CD player. My experience of upgrading in the past has been of marginal gains but this sounds so much better than what I had before. What was immediately noticeable was the separation between instruments, something I've never got as I'd like. I was playing a folk record yesterday and was hearing backing vocals in a way I've never heard before. Even a very old recording, Michael Garrick's "Troppo" sounded superb - the bass in particular had wonderful definition. And a relatively flat early CD remastering of Hank Mobley's 'Workout' still sounded flat but had much more presence. Best news is that I still can't tell an mp3 from a CD!

Just plugged in the net cable and have BBC Radio 3 going via internet radio. Hurray! All that nasty eggs and bacon interference I've had on my DAB radio portable has vanished. 

Also had a quick experiment plugging an iPod in at the front - worked to perfection.

Still to connect up the turntable and to try playing mp3s from a hard disc.

But so far delighted. Only weakness is a lack of inputs/outputs on the back (can't fathom how to connect the CD Recorder that I use infrequently) - but that just needs me to work out the digital connections and perhaps get a splitter box. 

There are threads about individual steamers (like Sonos) but thought I might put my excitement in a dedicated general thread as I imagine quite a few people will be looking down the streaming route in the future. 

   

[erwbol]

Congratulations. That's a nice piece of hardware. Shows huge gains in sound quality are possible wisely spending a couple of hundred more without going all high end.

[niels]

That's a very nice looking piece of equipment!

I have to say that Jazz wise I went the streaming route from the beginning, having bought a Squizebox player (with external DAC) many years ago to hook up to my amp. Unfortunately they don't make them anymore (I think they are just perfect, and really didn't cost much (maybe that's why they don't make them anymore)). For some reason I just really like the idea of buying an album, ripping it to my harddrive and then have the ability to just archive the CD in perfect condition. 

[sidewinder]

Good buy !  I've had a full Naim system (apart from LP12) for many years now and have been delighted with it. They are an excellent Salisbury based company - although their kit isn't cheap, alas. Currently pondering an upgrade route on the CD front - should I go for their NDX streamer or upgrade to a second hand CDS3 'flagship player'. Probably the latter, I think. Lot more life in CD yet !

Dutton Vocalion did a great job on their 'Troppo' reissue. It runs the original vinyl pretty close.

 

Edited October 3, 2015 by sidewinder

[Scott Dolan]

Very cool! And a very nice looking unit. 

Thanks for sharing, I had never heard of it before. :)

[A Lark Ascending]

Have most things rigged up now. Record player needed a separate box (advised of this by the shop I got it from (Moorgate Acoustics in Sheffield) and bought with the main item) but works fine. Except that when I came to plug in the Pro-ject turntable, there were no left and right markings on the lead!!! What? Will sort out tomorrow with something I have on CD and LP. 

Radio is just marvellous - also does BBC iPlayer so you can listen retrospectively (though this evening's Jazz Record Requests has yet to show). 

Can easily link my computer to play through the system if I'm listening to things via there. 

Still puzzling out the CD-Recorder - but there is a USB socket on the phono amp that links to a PC for recording from LP (should be able to do that direct through Total Recorder software) so I might be able to retire the recorder and free up some more space. Just need the right lead. 

Absolutely delighted with the sound - beyond what I'd expected. 

As Sidewinder said, Naim is a Brit company based in Salisbury (which endears it to me even more being a West Country lad). Not sure how far worldwide it is known.  

Edited October 3, 2015 by A Lark Ascending

[sidewinder]

I bought my first Naim amp in North America !  They have dealerships worldwide and a very loyal fan base. The company credo set by late founder Julian Vereker is still in place (somewhat minimalist, with emphasis on the sonics).

One of these days I'm going to have to do one of their HQ facility tours..

[A Lark Ascending]

Did not know that. But then I was under the impression they were Scottish (think I was confusing them with Linn). 

[mjazzg]

That's certainly got me thinking about how best to maximise streaming. Sounds like it's really hitting the spot.

they have a nice record label too

[A Lark Ascending]

I only picked it up from the shop on Friday. So it's still young love. So far declaring eternal devotion. 

[mjazzg]

Gorgeous George will be proud of you, Buoying the economy with reckless pension spending (or very well deserved celebratory treat) 

I'm sure love will endure.....

[A Lark Ascending]

I knew there was a reason I bought it...helping the recovery. If I can find some grandchildren to look after I can have two. 

[Jazzjet]

Great choice. I've just been through a similar upgrade as a sort of delayed mid-life crisis. I went for an Oppo BDP 105D which is a universal disc player plus a beefy Rotel RA 1570 amp to go with my Quad 11L speakers. One of my motivations was to create a media room with a large flat screen TV so I could enjoy Blu-Ray movies and sport. The Oppo has excellent video processing capability and the picture quality is amazing but the real bonus is that it has a couple of reference DACs (Sabre) which are usually found in even more expensive equipment and the sound that this setup provides is breathtaking. The bass is highly articulate, drums are wonderfully detailed and the soundstage is wide and revealing. Like you, I was expecting only marginal gains from my previous setup but this is way beyond that. Like a kid in a sweet shop I'm digging out my favourite CDs and experiencing them all over again. Steely Dan's 'Gaucho' on SACD is one that I always use as a reference.

For streaming I'm continuing to use my Sonos system, connected to the Oppo. I do have a turntable but it is purely used to digitise my vinyl collection so I can listen to via a computer attached to the Oppo via a USB audio cable.

In the old days all you had to do was to attach a couple of cables to an amplifier and that was about it. Nowadays network connection is also essential. It took the engineer half a day to sort this out. I guess that's what comes of living in a thick-walled Cornish house!

[A Lark Ascending]

Great choice. I've just been through a similar upgrade as a sort of delayed mid-life crisis.

Ah! So, that's what it is!  

That Oppo looks impressive.

In the old days all you had to do was to attach a couple of cables to an amplifier and that was about it. Nowadays network connection is also essential. It took the engineer half a day to sort this out. I guess that's what comes of living in a thick-walled Cornish house!

Yes, wires and cabling have always been a mystery to me (even without worrying about getting the best quality).

Finally worked out why I couldn't get the Naim connected to the CD-recorder. I was trying to connect the Naim analogue input to the CD-R input. Duh! Strangely there is no analogue output on the Naim. Got round it for the record player by connecting the phono amp directly to the CD-recorder and bingo, I can make CD-rs of LPs again. A bit fiddly but something I only do every now and then. 

Needless to say I did have the phono leads back to front (50/50 chance). You'd have thought they'd have marked them. 

Still puzzled by the digital connectors on the back of the Naim - they don't match anything on the CD-recorder (which is admittedly 15+ or so years old) or my small TV (which is only a about 3). Just connect the the TV via a normal audio jack which does me.    

Kid in a sweetshop...know what you mean. It's a joy listening to well loved recordings and thinking 'Well, I've never heard that before!'

Edited October 4, 2015 by A Lark Ascending

[Daniel A]

My 20 year old Harman/Kardon CD player is worn out and I'll probably go for a Yamaha CD-NT670.

http://m.europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hifi-components/cd-players/cd-nt670/

It plays CD:s, streams from my NAS, plays web radio and is compatible with Spotify and several other streaming services. Costs around 400 Euro.

 

[Scott Dolan]

That Yamaha has a nice old-fashioned look to it. I love it! First time I looked at it I thought, "look at that big ol' tuning knob, you don't see those anymore!" 

 

BTW, what is a NAS? 

Edited October 4, 2015 by Scott Dolan

[psu_13]

NAS is an acronym that stands for "network attached storage". Basically any sort of disk storage that you use a network interface to talk to instead of some other hardware interface. In some sense it's just a fancy name for a file server, but in some contexts its a bit different.

[sidewinder]

One good thing about Naim is that there are plenty of upgrade routes. Their stuff also holds its value on the 2nd hand market pretty well too and is supportable by them over the very long term with component change outs and transport replacements etc.

[Jazzjet]

Upgrading my system has made me buy some audiophile classical recordings:

Elgar - Enigma Variations - Michael Stern & The Kansas City Symphony (Reference Recordings)

Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 - Claudio Abbado & The Berlin Philharmonic (DG)

Beethoven - Symphonies 5 & 7 - Fritz Reiner & The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (RCA Victor, Living Presence Remastered)

Holst - The Planets - Charles Dutoit & The Montreal Symphony Orchestra (Decca)

Not very adventurous but I can't remember the last time I bought classical recordings.

Probably the wrong thread but any other audiophile classical recordings suggestions?

[A Lark Ascending]

Probably the wrong thread but any other audiophile classical recordings suggestions?

Not sure how you feel about downloads but you might want to check some of the classical labels that claim to offer high definition downloads, some of which are supposed to to be superior to CD.

Gimell, a label that specialises in Early/Renaissance vocal music, offers them in 6 different alternatives other than MP3. Have a look here:

http://www.gimell.com/recording-Allegri-Miserere-Palestrina-Missa-Papae-Marcelli.aspx

They also do 4 physical formats other than CD - DVD-Video in the NTSC format; DVD-Video in the PAL format; Pure Audio Blu Ray; Super Audio Compact Disc; and Vinyl though the catalogue is extremely limited there. 

Many of the classical labels are well ahead of the game in new formats. I recall an item on the BBC Radio 3 CD Review programme a year or so back where the presenters were getting terribly excited by some of these formats for their surround-sound capabilities. 

Gives me VHS/Betamax nightmares!   

You've probably seen a number of new download companies popping up recently aggressively promoting themselves as high definition purveyors (playing an "MP3 is dead" line). For example, Classics Online that I've used happily for some years, has recently reinvented itself as Classics Online HD_LL. There seem to be a glut of these starting up at present - can't imagine many surviving. And in the end whoever survives will probably be absorbed by Amazon! 

Have a look at the online physical shops too. Presto alows you to search on formats: SACDs; DVDs; Blu-rays; Presto CDs; Studio quality downloads

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/

MDT and Europadisc are reliable too. I've used all three for DVD Opera purchases. 

You probably know all of this but just in case...

 

 

Edited October 5, 2015 by A Lark Ascending

[Jazzjet]

Probably the wrong thread but any other audiophile classical recordings suggestions?

Not sure how you feel about downloads but you might want to check some of the classical labels that claim to offer high definition downloads, some of which are supposed to to be superior to CD.

Gimell, a label that specialises in Early/Renaissance vocal music, offers them in 6 different alternatives other than MP3. Have a look here:

http://www.gimell.com/recording-Allegri-Miserere-Palestrina-Missa-Papae-Marcelli.aspx

They also do 4 physical formats other than CD - DVD-Video in the NTSC format; DVD-Video in the PAL format; Pure Audio Blu Ray; Super Audio Compact Disc; and Vinyl though the catalogue is extremely limited there. 

Many of the classical labels are well ahead of the game in new formats. I recall an item on the BBC Radio 3 CD Review programme a year or so back where the presenters were getting terribly excited by some of these formats for their surround-sound capabilities. 

Gives me VHS/Betamax nightmares!   

You've probably seen a number of new download companies popping up recently aggressively promoting themselves as high definition purveyors (playing an "MP3 is dead" line). For example, Classics Online that I've used happily for some years, has recently reinvented itself as Classics Online HD_LL. There seem to be a glut of these starting up at present - can't imagine many surviving. And in the end whoever survives will probably be absorbed by Amazon! 

Have a look at the online physical shops too. Presto alows you to search on formats: SACDs; DVDs; Blu-rays; Presto CDs; Studio quality downloads

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/

MDT and Europadisc are reliable too. I've used all three for DVD Opera purchases. 

You probably know all of this but just in case...

 

 

Thanks very much for this information. I'm a relative neophyte as far as classical music is concerned so any guidance is much appreciated. My Dad was heavily into classical music while I was very much into jazz and rock so back then I couldn't possibly admit that I liked any of his records. However, we did agree to 'crossover' once and he came to a Charles Lloyd concert with me (Keith Jarrett et al) and I went to see Carmina Burana with him (this was when this work wasn't widely known).

I've tried a few digital HD downloads (jazz) and they're fine but somehow I still prefer physical formats. My new equipment is at its best when playing CDs and, I've found, music on USB memory sticks via a port in the front of the Oppo. This latter feature is tremendous as I can create themed USBs, eg Miles Davis, Prog Rock, Favourite Albums etc and just let them play. Kid in a sweet shop continued!

[GA Russell]

That's terrific, Bev!

[A Lark Ascending]

 I've found, music on USB memory sticks via a port in the front of the Oppo. This latter feature is tremendous as I can create themed USBs, eg Miles Davis, Prog Rock, Favourite Albums etc and just let them play. Kid in a sweet shop continued! 

I use the iPod for the same. You can set up 'smart playlists' that play what you order it to randomly; and programme it to not repeat anything for a time period you select (1 year works for me). Amazing how you rediscover things that way. A song ten tracks into an LP that you don't notice so much suddenly appears out of context and you think 'Why had I not noticed that before?'

The good thing about exploring a new genre (like classical in your case) now is that you can try before you buy instantly via a streaming site. Back in the olden days you invested what little money you had in your weekly LP - taking chances which didn't work out could quite spoil your week! On the other hand, you didn't half listen to that one LP.   

[Jazzjet]

 I've found, music on USB memory sticks via a port in the front of the Oppo. This latter feature is tremendous as I can create themed USBs, eg Miles Davis, Prog Rock, Favourite Albums etc and just let them play. Kid in a sweet shop continued! 

I use the iPod for the same. You can set up 'smart playlists' that play what you order it to randomly; and programme it to not repeat anything for a time period you select (1 year works for me). Amazing how you rediscover things that way. A song ten tracks into an LP that you don't notice so much suddenly appears out of context and you think 'Why had I not noticed that before?'

The good thing about exploring a new genre (like classical in your case) now is that you can try before you buy instantly via a streaming site. Back in the olden days you invested what little money you had in your weekly LP - taking chances which didn't work out could quite spoil your week! On the other hand, you didn't half listen to that one LP.   

That's why we took the trouble to check out LPs in listening booths ( I have fond memories of Dobell's and their antique record decks ). Back in those days we had fewer LPs but played them to death whereas now we have so much music that we don't know what to play next. 

[A Lark Ascending]

 I've found, music on USB memory sticks via a port in the front of the Oppo. This latter feature is tremendous as I can create themed USBs, eg Miles Davis, Prog Rock, Favourite Albums etc and just let them play. Kid in a sweet shop continued! 

I use the iPod for the same. You can set up 'smart playlists' that play what you order it to randomly; and programme it to not repeat anything for a time period you select (1 year works for me). Amazing how you rediscover things that way. A song ten tracks into an LP that you don't notice so much suddenly appears out of context and you think 'Why had I not noticed that before?'

The good thing about exploring a new genre (like classical in your case) now is that you can try before you buy instantly via a streaming site. Back in the olden days you invested what little money you had in your weekly LP - taking chances which didn't work out could quite spoil your week! On the other hand, you didn't half listen to that one LP.   

That's why we took the trouble to check out LPs in listening booths ( I have fond memories of Dobell's and their antique record decks ). Back in those days we had fewer LPs but played them to death whereas now we have so much music that we don't know what to play next. 

Very true. 

I think listening booths were on their way out by the time I became obsessed in 1970. There were three places to buy records in Newquay when I started out (where could you buy CDs in Newquay now?) but I don't recall listening booths. I vaguely recall them in some of the department stores in Swindon when I moved there in '72. The ones I distinctly recall were in the first Virgin record shop in Notting Hill Gate...distinctly recall trying out 'Liege and Lief' there in the summer of that year and buying it.