We cut through the many confusing options for streaming music to help you decide which path to take. From choosing a streaming service on a mobile device to investing in a dedicated hardware module, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches, suggest some options and also examine whether there’s a quality trade off for the convenience of so much music.
Presented by Phil Hinton with Ed Selley
00:00:00 - Start
00:00:23 - Welcome and introductions
*Main Discussion: Everything you need to know about music streaming*
00:03:42 - Topic Introduction - Music Streamers - which one is right for you?
00:04:52 - What does ‘music streaming’ actually refer to and where should you start?
00:09:13 - What is the most important element when it comes to choosing a music streamer?
00:13:37 - File Formats - What is being played back on streaming services and what is the difference performance wise?
00:18:24 - Content accessibility - a warning!
00:19:32 - What is Ed’s music streaming service of choice?
00:20:19 - What are the ways in which Hi-Res audio can be accessed via Mobile devices?
00:23:00 - What is the advantage of using a standalone hardware streamer to access content and what are the options?
00:26:18 - What about using Roon as third party software and the digital inputs on your amp/powered speaker?
00:29:47 - What is Roon’s multiroom performance like compared to Bluesound BluOS?
00:32:59 - Is it possible to stream music from services using mobile devices wirelessly and are there any performance compromises?
00:35:20 - How does Chromecast stack up when used for streaming?
00:36:42 - Do all streamers support internet radio?!
00:37:59 - Once you’ve chosen a streaming platform that suits you, are you locked in?
00:41:38 - How much should I spend on my streaming service experience?
00:46:54 - Ed on the spot - which music streamer should Phil go for?
00:48:31 - How useful is a touch screen on a streamer?
00:49:45 - Phil’s fundraising request
00:51:28 - Competitions, winners and new supporters
00:54:13 - Ed’s Album, Vinyl and Playlist recommendations
00:55:57 - Goodbye
*Podcast Resources*
Audio File Formats Explainer https://www.avforums.com/articles/audio-formats-what-does-what-and-what-it-all-means.15509/
Mconnect Player https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.conversdigitalpaid
Bubble UPnP https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bubblesoft.android.bubbleupnp&hl=en_US
Further music/network streamer reviews can be found here https://bit.ly/3ZcbO7x
Link to the Music Streamers forum on AVForums https://www.avforums.com/forums/music-streamers.333/
Phil’s Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/philhinton
*Ed’s Recommendations*
Album/Vinyl : https://theemarloes.bandcamp.com/album/perak Thee Maloes - Perak
Playlist: Qobuz: 4AD - The First Five years
https://open.qobuz.com/story/FXQ6ZO5VFBD2BMEVAYONX2Y6FA
Playlist converter: Soundiiz - https://soundiiz.com/
*Reviews*
Bluesound Node Nano Streamer https://www.avforums.com/reviews/bluesound-node-nano-streamer-review.22020/
Cambridge Audio MXN10 Network Streamer https://www.avforums.com/reviews/cambridge-audio-mxn10-network-streamer-review.20709/
Eversolo DMP-A6 Network Audio Streamer Review https://www.avforums.com/reviews/zidoo-eversolo-dmp-a6-zidoo.20790/
Naim NSC 222 and NAP 250 Review https://www.avforums.com/reviews/naim-nsc222-and-nap250-review.21100/
Tidal https://www.avforums.com/reviews/tidal-music-streaming-service-review.10877/
Qobuz https://www.avforums.com/reviews/qobuz-sublime-review.14702/
Deezer https://www.avforums.com/reviews/deezer-streaming-service-review.14813/
Amazon Music HD https://www.avforums.com/reviews/amazon-music-hd-review.16715/
Roon Review https://www.avforums.com/reviews/roon-music-playback-software-review.16026/
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