OK, Guys!!

Here I am - educate me.

Consider a streaming audio player such as a Cambridge Audio Azur 851N versus streaming music with a software player, such as MusicBee, Foobar, 5KPlayer, MusiCHI player, etc.

Can I make significant improvements in the sound I'm hearing through my Tritons with a streaming player such as the Cambridge unit?

Can I use my existing file database, stored on an external HD, with the Cambridge 851N streaming player?

What about my existing libraries (originally built in MusiCHI and now living in both MusiCHI and MusicBee?

Other considerations to justify spending $1800.00 on a Cambridge?

Thanks,

Art

Hi Guys,

Well, I'm a bit surprised that nobody has responded to this thread. But, no matter...

Since posting, I have continued to research this topic. I think I have learned a bit more. I believe that my dedicated Toshiba Laptop provides as good a music-streaming capability as would be provided by an expensive stand-alone player. Even though it is now several years old, my Toshiba is a high-end laptop and is running Windows 10 Professional. Furthermore, I have reconfigured the laptop for music streaming by removing all unnecessary programs and disabling the few remaining programs which are not directly involved in streaming music or managing my music library.

And, for me, the ability to use Windows Remote Desktop to manage my music laptop remotely is a major advantage, which I would not sacrifice for marginal or perceived improvements offered by a stand-alone player.

As for DACs, I believe that my Peachtree SABRE DACs are probably about as good as any other set of DACs. My system is very quiet and musical.

I have been experimenting with a program called Fidelizer, which supposedly optimizes my music laptop by shutting down any unnecessary programs. The free version of Fidelizer works perfectly on my laptop, but so far I cannot hear any difference - perhaps because I have already removed or disabled unnecessary programs before running Fidelizer.

For now, I am no longer considering purchase of the Cambridge player. If my music laptop dies, then I'll look at other options.

Comments are still welcome.

Happy listening,

Art

No response Bro Art becoz I haven't a clue.
Carry on.
God Bless,
Wayne

I was considering purchase of a Cambridge Audio 851N Music Player. After several email exchanges with Cambridge technical people, they finally told me that I would not be able to incorporate use of my dedicated laptop, nor would I be able to use my business laptop to control the Cambridge unit. Cambridge does have an app for using a smartphone to control the player.

I am totally comfortable with the flexibility and control provided by Windows Remote Desktop in my present two-computer setup and I am not interested in changing my control method or substituting a smartphone with its small screen for my business laptop for control of the music streaming process.

So, I am not going to consider the Cambridge unit for my system. It is also likely at this point that I will not be implementing the concept of moving to a dedicated music streaming player to replace my current method, which uses either MusicBee or MusiCHI as the players and library manager.

If I do anything else along these lines, I might consider replacing my Peachtree Audio DACiTx, but I have no inherent reason to do so, unless I become convinced that a different stand-alone DAC would provide noticeably better sound.

If anyone wants to suggest a different DAC for me to consider, I will do so.

Happy listening.

Art

Art,

I've yet to dip into either of these options. I am considering the new Oppo Sonica DAC. If I make the leap, I will certainly share my experience. In the meantime, I'll learn from you and the other members that experiment with the various options.

Cheers,

T Cobe

P.S. It's going to be 70 here today, but the ground is still a bit too soggy for golf. I'm sure the courses will be open but have a number of holes off limits and will be restricting carts to the paths only. I'll wait a bit yet.

Hi T Cobe,

I remember those first warm Spring days in Wisconsin - the top surface was thawed, but still frozen just a few inches down - with the result that water just sat there and made the courses soggy. Since I walked and carried my clubs, I wasn't concerned about the cart conditions, so I slogged around as soon as the courses opened.

I played today in sunny NE Tennessee - 74 degrees and almost-dry ground.

I have decided to stay with my computer-based audio streaming process. So, I am no longer looking for a stand-alone digital player. I'll continue to use my MusiCHI software player, or my MusicBee software player and stream digital audio to my external DAC via USB.

I have just purchased a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic Plus, along with a pair of Audio Quest Red River XLR cables. I am going to evaluate the Cambridge DAC and the XLR cables versus my existing Peachtree Audio DACiTx with it's standard RCA-type output cables. The Cambridge DAC unit has twin Wolfson DACs and some other features which may make another significant sound improvement -- or not!

I purchased the DAC and cables from Crutchfield, with 60-day full refund return privileges if I don't hear significant improvement. Beauty is in the ear of the listener, so we'll see. These units should arrive early next week, so I'll make a report after making my listening AB comparisons.

This purchase is likely to be the last change in my audio system. I am happy with my present Peachtree DAC and my Cambridge 851A Amplifier and, of course, my GE speakers, so if this alternative DAC/XLR Cables evaluation is a bust, I will not be overly disappointed. Since I don't want to give up my present two-computer approach to file storage and management, I don't expect to be in the market for a dedicated player.

Best,

Art