How to Connect/Use Hi-Fi Music Streamers (Beginner's Guide To Streaming Music)
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- čas přidán 1. 05. 2024
- Stuck or confused about audiophile music streaming? Connections and all? You came to the right place, let me help you out :)
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Streamers in this video:
Bluesound node 2i: amzn.to/3jLt5z7
Matrix Element i: www.matrix-digi.com/en/produc...
Matrix mini i pro 3: www.matrix-digi.com/en/produc...
Innuos zen mini mk 3: innuos.com/zen_mini_mk3/
Iotavx NP3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
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0:00 Why do you need a streamer?
1:43 Different Types of streamers
3:07 How to Connect Streamer to DAC
4:27 How to Connect Streamer to integrated amplifier
6:03 How to Connect Streamer to Amplifier
7:14 Guide to Streaming Software/App
9:03 Extra features to look for in streamers
11:07 Q&A about Streamers - Zábava
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Yo ! Leave a like on the video if this video was helpful to you ! Cheers.
Comments will not show up right away, don’t be offended. This comment section is monitored/filtered for spams, links and uncivilized bullshit. 👍
Related videos:
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HiFi ROSE Streamers DESTROYS all others: czcams.com/video/Yxzhr-GTgbw/video.html
Streaming Music the HiFi Way in 2021 !: czcams.com/video/pVrQgJ-gzhI/video.html
Matrix Audio Mini-i Pro 3 & Element i Audiophile Streamer/DAC: czcams.com/video/BtFheB_kNbs/video.html
Streamers in this video:
Bluesound node 2i: amzn.to/3jLt5z7
Matrix Element i: www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/417.html
Matrix mini i pro 3: www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/489.html
Innuos zen mini mk 3: innuos.com/zen_mini_mk3/
Iotavx NP3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/products/iotavx-np3-pre-order
Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi
follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jayiyagi
follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial
Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: czcams.com/play/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0.html
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
amzn.to/30bsUCH
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
0:00 Why do you need a streamer?
1:43 Different Types of streamers
3:07 How to Connect Streamer to DAC
4:27 How to Connect Streamer to integrated amplifier
6:03 How to Connect Streamer to Amplifier
7:14 Guide to Streaming Software/App
9:03 Extra features to look for in streamers
11:07 Q&A about Streamers
Great video Jay. Very timely. Most of the questions I have about new-to-me hardware revolves around the specifics of connectivity and compatibility. I am currently trying to decide on a DAC and how to stream.
Hi Jay. Your video is almost a year old, but I believe that the relevance and importance of this one video has not changed in that time. It is still a timeless and helpful source for the rest of us who are learning, as we continue on our audiophile journeys. Thank you and bless you.
I have just recently begun to explore the improvements in my HiFi system provided by the Denafrips Pontus II DAC; and I am loving how it plays with my Musical Fidelity 6i Integrated, my ATC SCM19 stand-mounts, and my GoldenEar Supersub X subs. BTW, I treat the subs as speakers: on 24" stands: highly isolated and damped from the floor, at inconsistent distances from room boundaries, and toed in at the same "extreme" angles, of the main speakers. The gain (and to a lesser extent, the low-pass) of the subs was adjusted to compensate for the lack of "free" room gain; but, after some trial and error (plus room treatments that are still being experimented) the overall musical effect is wonderful: full-range, quick and punchy, 3D, and with no room "bass bloat." Please feel free to contact me if you are ever in the Knoxville/Farragut TN area.
Anyway, I just wanted to compliment your approach to audio and to life, your knowledge and understandability, and above all... your honesty.
H (ESA man)
Nothing wrong with doing an straight forward explanation of utilizing hifi . Always helpful
Well done, gentlemen! It's amazing how rare this kind of beginner information is on the web. Some others have tried but get sidetracked by side details that derail the topic. Thank you for a job well done.
Thank you for your comment Jon
Yep. Myself included
Another great review so thank you Jay. I'm in the middle of buying a new streamer and had no idea of what to look for and take into consideration so thanks again for your help in doing this review🙂
Excellent video explaining the ABC’s of music streamers! It took me forever to finally research and purchase a streamer. I ended up buying a Lumin U1 Mini for my main system and an SOtM sMS-200 Neo & power supply for my second system. Much better sound quality over connecting a usb cable from my Mac mini to the DAC. Thanks!
Hi mate. That was brilliantly explained. Thanks so much. I’m an older music fan getting confused to bits. Now I get it. Cheers👍
Super useful!! Suggest a possible follow-up going through how a specific (and simple) example is connected, and probably more importantly how it is controlled.
This is an excellent presentation. Clearly explained and without any hype or trying to be a smug smart ass. So refreshing! This is great advice for anyone starting out. Personally I was paralysed by it all. There was so much to consider that I couldn't quite see the wood from the trees. The plethora of streaming services added to the confusion. Whatever I was going to decide was going to obviously be a fairly expensive investment and I wanted to get it right first time. Watching he many reviews on You Tube actually added to the confusion and I was like a rabbit caught in the headlights- I was scared stiff. I had recently upgraded my laptop buying a new MacBook Pro M1. I had also upgraded my HiFi system- purchasing a Marantz SA10 SACD player. After considering all the various options I decided to try the free trial sub with Qobuz, play it through my MacBook Pro into the SA-10 which had its own high quality DAC. It sounds superb. I saved myself a small fortune- I really don't need a dedicated streamer so I'm £1000 better off than I might have been otherwise! The quality of my set up is exceptional. Qobuz is more than enough for my needs- I have a Prime subscription but have never used the music element of the package. I have Spotify of course but again I rarely use it- I tend to just stick with Qobuz. I still buy and play physical media- there is just a more personal relationship with the physical disc that is difficult to explain. I'm sure its part of our hunter gatherer DNA at work!
Wow I'm pretty experienced with streamers I think and yet I learnt a thing or two extra from this video meant for beginners. Always helpful and rewarding to watch a Jay's video even if it were meant for beginners!
Hi Jay, how good is the IOTA VX CD/Streamer? I ordered the new Buchardt S400 MkII’s and was thinking of pairing both IOTA VX’s with the Bucharest’s. What are your thoughts on that? Keep the videos coming because they are great!
I enjoy all your videos. This particular segment taught me so much. Thanks.
The reason we get lost is because most of us use Integrated amps and want to convert... So we get lost. Thanks for the much needed tech info. Such a valuable video.
Sidenote maybe one day we can go down the rabbit hole into small computer based systems. Controlled by Roon
Thanks for the video!!!! You answered so many questions!
Jay thank you for taking the time to ‘educate’ me on the digital to analogue streaming availabilities out there….. greatly appreciated. David 🏴 3:13
Thank you, so much info for a newbie. This helps a Lot!
Thank you jay for a bright info and tech
Excellent presentation I learned valuable information thank you 🙏
Very informative Jay !
Hello Jay ! Thank you for your video and explanation.
I want to replace my PCI soundcard (Lynx L22) and my preamp rotel Rc-1570 by a streamer/dac/preamp with volume control to win so room.
Which model of this type of product should i looking for ?! (With xlr outputs and Ldac compatible i have seen the smsl dp5 ?! ) I use my phone to stream with quobuz and I have somes music files on my nas..
Thanks for your help and nice vidéo again ! Alex
Really good video! Thanks!
great video i subscribed because of it ..keep up good work
Great information. I an going down the convenient route and waiting on the roksan attessa streaming amp and cd transport arriving at my local shop for a listening . And doing away with all the cables and plugs from separate amp . Dac . Pi streamer . Phono stage and cd player . All the cables and turning on and off and getting it to two boxes and a turntable . Maybe I could be making a mistake . Keep the good work up .
Hello Jay, thanks for this cool vídeo! One Question: have you tested which DAC would give better results between Hegel H190 and Eversolo Master Esition?
hi Jay : VERY useful information and rare too. Thank's a lot
Thanks for the recap. Actually the biggest issue is to know which streamer and which music app are compatible. It's very confusing. For exemple after many research I can't be sure which streamer is really compatible with Tidal connect (to use it through the phone app, not in another manufacturer's app)
I stream with chest waders and a custom split cane fly rod!! Seriously thanks for the 'skinny'!
If I took a spare cell phone with Spotify, added a Dragonfly dac and hooked that up to my amp would it be as good as a dedicated streamer for sound quality?
I use a node2I and am using digital out because I like the built in Dac in my Cambridge Audio integrated amp better than the dac in the node 2I.
Which amp do you have? I have a CXA60 and was considering the latest node.
Hi jay, i just bought ifi neo stream and I have hegel 390. In your opinion, how do you compare the sound between DAC from IFi and the hegel??
Very informative though still need some advice. I'm thinking about getting one of the Node devices to use as a streamer/app control with HDMI E-ARC to add to an integrated amp (Hegel h190). I want to add more fleshed out streaming and E-ARC tv controls as my primary interface, but use the DAC & Amp of the Hegel to power my speakers (kanta 2s). Would this work as I'm hoping if I used the digital outs on the Node? Is there a better way to do it?
Hello. I have an extensive CD collection and want to explore Quobuz through a streamer to further enhance my separates hi Fi system. Thi s is the only video I have seen that explains this , daunting to me, process. Very well done!
Super useful video. Thanks!!!
Great job! Is there a ripper/hard drive storage component out there that could match up with my Node and turn it into a Vault? Don't know why Bluesound doesn't make an add on unit. I didn't like the Vault, due to no WIFI connectivity and limited to 2 TB storage. Thanks!
Hi Jay, I have a lumin d2 streamer. I want to connect this to a Denafrips pontus ii DAC. The only option to connect this is via BNC cable. Do you really recommend using a BNC cable or should I just use this streamer without a DAC since it already has a built-in DAC. Please advise. Cheers
Silly beginner question here! I am going from BlueSound Node to CHORD Qutest coax to BNC & Qutest to Accuphase by regular RCA but what Input is best to use on the Accuphase…..
Tuner? CD? Line 1,2 or 3?
I’m assuming Line 1 but you guys may say something else will be more beneficial 🤷♂️.
Anyway, thought I’d ask 🙈
Thanks for sharing. Useful.
Hi I bought a sotm sms200 neo se, it has a usb output but also input, I presume for music on a memory stick, do you think a cd diskdrive with usb output could make me listen to cds through the usb input of a streamer?
This has been unclear to me for a while, some of the vocabulary, features. Thank you for clarifying for me.
My pleasure. Thank you for the comment
Very helpfule crash course on streamers. Thanks
Thanks. Well explained
I'd like to use the NODE to get quality streaming capability and the ability to use HDMI arc to my TV and control volume on the NODE with my TV remote while benefitting from the fidelity of my Rotel 1572 MKII integrated amp. You say having 2 preamps is NEVER a good thing, does this reduce sound quality or is it just more complicated for the regular user?
Suuuper helpful. Thx
My Dell laptop is connected by HDMI to my Denon X3700H, from which video goes via HDMI to my 75" LG TV and audio to my SVS 5.2.0 speaker setup. When just browsing, checking email, Twitter, etc., and for serious listening, I stream music with the TIDAL desktop app, using my speakers in a 2.1 configuration. For CZcams, movies, drama series, sports, etc., my Roku is connected in a similar fashion, utilizing the full 5.2 speaker array. I hardly ever move my laptop from the rack containing the rest of my AV gear, so this configuration works perfectly for me.
I've done loads of reading recently about streamers, DACs, and mini-amps, and can't imagine how they would improve audio quality in my environment. I realize there are many other situations, lacking a top-quality receiver or pre-amp, where those devices would be highly beneficial, and at reasonable cost.
Not for me I believe, but nice work, Jay.
What are your thoughts on Auralic products? I find the Auralic Altair G1 to be great!
Newbie here... What is the best option for the best sound quality for my situation? I play Apple Music (lossless) and You Tube music from a wired smart TV app through my network which is wired to Denon amplifier to wired speakers. I also use an Android phone for the same purpose occasionally. I would like to update as time changes, so do I need digital outputs?
Looking for a streamer/dac that can link to my samsung handphone playing spotify, and connect to my existing pre-amp. Any reasonable budget streamer/dac that you can recommend for this?
Very helpful 👌
You never said what to contact your streamer to on the amp? Is it av input? Or cd input?
Can’t wait for np3 review
Can a tidal compatible steamer be connected to a marantz receiver (sr7010) and I still get the benefit of listening to MQA audio?
Glad you made this video 👍🏽 However these devices are mostly for audio/2 Channel set ups and not for those (like me) who do both but with an A/V Processor and have a home theater set up. Is there a unit that can connect to my processor via hdmi, store the streaming app credentials without using an external device like a phone or tablet to play? Basically the same functionality as an a/v receiver that host the app internally and projects the streaming app menu on the t.v.? Otherwise why get a streamer if I can just cast the info and continue using my Google Audio Cast for my outdoor system? Which btw sounds "good enough" as Thomas would say lol. Also, via my Google t.v. I have Tidal, CZcams Music and Napster apps. So easy and don't need a phone or tablet to stream.
Help please. Where would you plug in the Node on a vintage receiver? I have an old 70s Sansui. I get so confused when preamps and such come into the mix.
Any recommendations on a device that comines l streamer+dac+pre amp+amp please?
I started with an echo dot with Pandora straight into my receiver with some white van speakers.
6 months later : laptop with Amazon HD to Modi3 into receiver and Samson studio monitors
Another 6 months: laptop with Amazon HD to Bifrost2 into receiver and Magnepans LRS
Present: laptop with Amazon HD to Bifrost2 connected to Schitt Vidar to LRS’s and paradigm 8” sub, sounds freaking good if you ask.
I tried Paradigm Link as a streamer, only to find out “Play-Fi” user interface to be buggy and drained my phones battery. I returned back to laptop and problem solved.
Yeap. True problems with streamers are that there are buggy and shitty ones out there. And also shitty interfaces…
Sometimes small non-hifi streamers work better because they have better software and interface than some hifi dedicated softwares… (which have been designed for convenience and convenience only)
Thats why reviews exist, also doing your own diligence to research and making sure there is a reasonable return policy
But there is also no denying that there are good and even great streamers.
I wouldn’t judge “streamers” based on one streamer just like how I wouldn’t judge “laptops” based on one single laptop experience. (Good or bad)
Which would be the best natural sound analog or digital?
Hi Jay, as a fellow Korean, I am proud of what you are doing!!! Quick question, I am trying to connect the bluesound node to my McIntosh MA8900 integrated amp and use the dac in the McIntosh also. how should I be connecting them?
6 Months too late but you can connect with either the optical or coaxial input and this should go through the DAC in the MAC
For a beginner streaming is to complex. I think the main problem is there is not common standard. All the different brands have there own way of doing things and nothing is compatible with each other, so you are tied into one brand, because that is the only way you can be sure all components will work together, when using the app on your phone for your streamer.
Hey guys what’s the preferred choice. Ifi zen stream to Hegel h390 via usb or digital coax. Thanks.
Hey Jay, I'm using a Chromecast audio for streaming at the moment. Do you have any experience with them? How much of an upgrade would something like the Bluesound Node be?
It would be a huge upgrade. I have both. Chromecast audio is fine, but it’s about as basic as it gets, it’s essentially a transport/dac and that’s it. Quality ok, no gapless playback iirc.
Bluesound is a top tier streamer feature wise and is also a preamp. The OS is rich and easy to use. It also has a sub out and built in cross over settings. Some people say the internal dac is not the best out there, but I think it’s great. And you can use an external dac with it if you want. I’m using it for Spotify, Tidal and streaming worldwide radio stations.
I’d stick with it if you’re happy with it. I use one with Spotify into my integrated amp and 1) there is gapless playback, 2) I’ve A B tested against my CD player and the difference is barely noticeable. It will depend on what else you have though, but don’t expect ‘night and day’ type of difference. You’d probably be better off spending your money on a speaker upgrade.
So glad you made this, streaming is the most complicated thing in the world right now. Is it better practice to have a separate DAC / Streamer? I'm trying to buy something for the Wilsenton R8 with Klipsh rp500 speakers. Vynil and CD player I'm sorted.. any ideas guys?
I always found seperate dac with seperate streamer the best sounding and also convenient BUT it is also more costly/more cables to run
@@Jayiyagi ok cool, will go down this route. Reckon the denafrips and Wilsenton R8 combo would be too much of a good thing? (Warm DAC, warmish amp). It's a toss up with this and the vmv dac. Streamer/transport I'll have to figure out next year 🤣
if I have streamer do I need DDC like Gustard U18 or USB Card XE JCAT
If streaming is my only source is there anything to gain by inserting a proper preamp into the chain or is using my streamer as a preamp just as good? (I just have an amp, not an integrated)
Like amps, streamers, and Dacs, preamps will have their own individual sounds and features. Question is, does your streamer/preamp do everything you need it to as a preamp feature wise?
Additionally, some may add a preamp specifically to gain a different presentation post source. Like a tube preamp for example.
Excellent Post
How can I connect a dac/streamer which has RCA out to and older anlaog amplifier which has phono, tape, tuner etc in? they look like cinch or RCA?
I currently have denafrips ares 2, using it with camera kit to phone. Will adding a streamer and connecting straight to ares make a jump in sound quality
I had optical out of tv to dac smsl m400, which I thought was proper. Got a bluesound node 2i connected to dac through fiber op cable. Huge improvement in sound in all ways. No one has ever explained why exactly, but what a difference!
Thanks for your response..
Hey Jay , I consider myself an Audiophile and my real concern with purchasing a streamer would hopefully be an upgrade of sound quality. They are not cheap and if all I'm getting is convenience that's not enough .
I still use a Chromecast Audio via toslink into my integrated amp.
For LAN connection streamer must be right next to a router?
What happens with H-res Lossless from Apple Music if you Airplaying it onto DAC? Airplay does not support more than 16/44.1. Does it upsample it?
Hey guys. I have just over 2 terabytes of music on external hard drives. Is there any streamer out there with internal storage over 2t? Any help would be appreciated. Or can any of these streamers take cards to bulk up the storage
This is a little off topic, ... I listen to jazz, in a historically great jazz town w/o a jazz station. Are streamers limited to only the services music library, or can they link to some of the great jazz stations around the country? Great stations educate. My early experience with internet radio, fed me 45 of the best known songs based on my 'like', and that wasn't listenable; I've heard'em. I just don't know what streaming is supposed to be...
Hey Jack. Depends on the streamer. Some streamers have internet radio as well. Again, something you have to look into which streamer does that. Cheers.
I wish that blue sound made a nice stand alone streamer. Like the node 2i without the dac and preamp. Without sacrificing quality. Hopefully in time they will.
You can connect the Node to a better DAC, which I do. I don't think that the Nose has a preamp, as it connects nicely to a dac and integrated amp.
I use my computer to stream and I would gamble and say that my audio sound form my computer would rival some top audio systems.. If you have a high end motherboard that houses a top line codec audio componet matched with if not high end studio monitors or just really good desktop computer speakers i.e Edifers, Audio engine, Kanto Tuck or Yu6 the sound is incredible.. I'm just saying getting great audio streaming or cd play back from your computer is possible
You can also connect the toslink from the music streamer to a home theater receiver. There is no need for a DAC as the home theater receiver is already a built-in DAC. Also a home theater receiver is also a built-in amp.
Just wondering did you actually add a separate streamer to your AVR and if so how did you go about it and did it improve the sound quality of your two channel music. Cheers
Because you showed the Bluesound Node and Innous Zen I would like to point out that the Bluesound Vault is a close comparison to the Innous because it is a streamer with a built in dac, cd ripper and hard disc storage. So the Vault and Zen are basically comparable whereas the Node is just a streamer/dac. I have both Node and Vault but want to upgrade to the Innous for various reasons, including quality and software.
Innous can have 2 T as does the Bluesound Vault.
What is the best way to stream youtube? I listen to several blues channels such as Don's Notes.
There are limited streamers that allow CZcams streaming. Rose Hifi is what I suggest but they are pricey. Other cheaper alternatives do exist in the mainstream consumer brands.
How can i stream music over Wi-fi from my android phone local music, to and Onkyo RZ 50. i can't find a solution when it is my local music on the phone, i don't like to use bluetooth.
How to stream apple high res 196khz in my stereo who already has dac?
an Echo dot hooked up to a receiver via rca cable works great along with a "Spotify" account. All that for about 30 bucks for a dot and what ever you want to spend for a receiver. I have a set up in my garage using an old Sony receiver and four outdoor speakers with a cheap sub. All told about 230 bucks.
If I'm not mistaken, this may not be ideal for more critical listening?
HomePods for me - sound great don’t need extra boxes and cables -
I have Sony STRDN1080 has support for Streaming services, so i play Tidal from my phone via wifi, i am so happy with the sound quality, but this guide makes me feel like i was just fooling myself, must i go for Streamer and a DAC when i have AVR?
You are happy with the sound, then you are. You can try different things but don’t be thinking you are fooling yourself !
Thank you
Do I just plug my hard drive into these? All my MP3 and audio files are on a separate hard drive
Can you make a video about how to hifi speakers connect to Google nest?
I use PC and have no problem with noise if I connect it with my DAC. Maybe is the Problem in PC itself (cheap power supply oder no good valtage regulation on the Mainboard) or in the usb cable itself. It depends much more what power unit you use for your dac. It makes really a big difference. I have already tested myself.
You mention "what's power units you use for your DAC." Can you explain? Do you mean an outboard power supply or are you referring to DDC conversion products?
For very little money £10... I bought a Bluetooth receiver and plugged it into my amp. Now I can play all the music on my phone..and Spotify and all radio stations . Sounds ok to me .
Please show us how you use USB to connect a streamer to a DAC...
Sorry a little late with the question but "Why would you need a dac or a streamer if your pc has hdmi?"
I prefer a complicated Hi-Fi PC solution for audio enjoyment and also for work that involves: PC Linear PSU, USB Isolator/Purifier, DDC, DAC, and a few Linear PSU for modem & router.
I'm using a Roku as a poor man's streamer, because I just use spotify, and I'm guessing it's a less compression frm the ROKU.. than BT. Chain is HDMI frm roku to TV optical out frm TV to my dac.
Can you connect the Bluesound Node directly to an Amp?
Yes. If the Amp is an integrated amp.
You missed one major issue…….
USB out from streamer to connect to a DDC/DAC ??!!!!!
So that better clock of ddc can be utilized
I have denafrips ares ii & iris ddc combo …
Currently playing Apple Music from iPad (usb) but can’t go wireless
Please comment on it …
Can't connect a dac directly to an av receiver??
thanks
Jay in the house
My listening room has no computer connection. Am I screwed.
Bluesound Node doesn't have i2s, does it?
No
what is computer?
Jay, if I'm using an external dac, sounds wise, does it matter which streamer I am using? If they have the same 24 bit output will they sound the same after the dac?
That’s a good question
If Jay doesn’t chime in maybe I can share my experience.
I tried a new Samsung tablet, an iphone11, paradigm Link , bluesound Node 2 (via toslink) and a IBM laptop
All components were Plugged into my schiit Bifrost 2 via USB and played Amazon HD content
All 5 sounded different in this order from low to best quality
1.Samsung tablet
2. Paradigm Link
3. iPhone
4. Bluesound Node 2
5. Laptop
I guess at the end, your source circuitry really counts.
@@georgemoraleswork thanks for the info. They sounded different how? Better quality or colouration?
@@Pete.across.the.street I meant 1 being the worst sounding and 5 the best.
There is a lot of sound data processing inside the operating system.
Data from your music app is converted to a floating point internal representation and to a single sample rate and bit depth this is programmed by the devices engineering let’s say 24/192. Also the sound mixer adds more sound layers to your final product which then gets turned back into PCM with Dither added(low volume distortion) after all that then it’s ready for your external DAC.
The Samsung tablet has a poor processing sound due to running on android, same for Raspberry streamers.
So it lacked sound stage and air, it made the Maggie’s LRS sound very small.
Paradigm Link has a built it DSP and room correction, all these added features made the bass thin and the device lagged in processing power when all features enabled.
The iPhone sounds ok, but the crisp highs were not there almost like listening to FM radio
The Node is good, very practical, but at $600 bucks it wasn’t worth it to me.
The laptop-DAC-amp was the best configuration for me, I do not have a pre amp because the difference is so small in having a physical volume potentiometer vs just running windows audio stacks, I use a small PowerPoint clicker to change songs and control the volume in the computer. Oh and bass is tight, bass attack is fast, mids are full of body and highs are crisp with lots of sound stage and air.
Hope that helps