How to Add Streaming to Your Hi-Fi System the Right Way

A close-up of a Bluesound streaming Node component on a shelf with a NAD integrated amplifier and a pair of headphones.

Don’t You Want a Better Streaming Music Experience?

No, this is not just another blog about how to stream music through your hi-fi setup. We won’t tell you to Bluetooth your smartphone or iPad into it. We won’t ask you to Bluetooth your Amazon Echo (gasp) into it either. And no, we’re not going to tell you to dig out that circa 2010 iPod Classic you still have laying around and aux cord it into your system. Yes, we know that may be the only place you know how to find your old digital music library, but we have a better way. 

After all, the name of our company is HiFi Buys – so we’re going to tell you how to do it the hi-fi way! Stick with us here, and let’s have a little fun exploring the right way to add streaming to your hi-fi system in Atlanta.

SEE ALSO: Understanding Digital to Analog Audio Converters

What Makes Streaming Sound Good?

In audio, everything starts with the source. If it’s not that good, it won’t sound that good. That said, most modern streaming services sound fairly good. These days, Apple Music, Amazon HD, Tidal, and QoBuz all offer lossless and higher bitrate music like MQA and Dolby Atmos formats for an enhanced experience. What about Spotify? We love Spotify, but we must note that Spotify Hi-Fi was announced over three years ago, and to our knowledge, no one has seen (or heard) it. If you have, please let us know.

Then there’s the hardware. One critical piece is the digital-to-analog converter or DAC. Not all of these electronic wonders (it’s a chipset) are created equal. In Bluesound’s new Node Series (see below), they’re using ESS Sabre DACs, some of the best in the business. 

Steam the Hi-Fi Way with Bluesound

Bluesound has long been in the business of high-quality streaming and multi-room audio. It’s brought to you by the same company that owns NAD and PSB, two of the best names in value hi-fi. Bluesound recently upgraded its Node lineup, and it has to be one of the best ways to get true hi-fi caliber streaming sound without dropping a fortune. However, we do have more expensive stuff we can sell you, if that’s your thing.

Let’s break down Bluesound’s new NODE lineup. At their heart, they all share some important DNA. Each uses the ESS Sabre DAC for pristine sound quality, supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, and includes BluOS multi-room capability. But here’s how they differ:

The NODE NANO ($299) is the new kid on the block – perfect for adding streaming to your existing system without breaking the bank. It’s got all the essentials: that excellent ESS DAC, analog outputs, digital connections (optical and coax), and support for everything from Spotify Connect to Tidal to Apple AirPlay 2. Think of it as your streaming gateway drug.

Step up to the NODE 2024 ($549), and things get interesting. You’re getting THX AAA™ headphone amplifier technology (translation: your fancy headphones will sound amazing), HDMI eARC for TV connection, and more input/output flexibility. Plus, it’s got five programmable presets instead of the NANO’s two, and a slick proximity sensor that lights up the controls when you reach for them.

The NODE ICON ($999) is where Bluesound goes all-out. It’s rocking a dual-mono DAC design with two ESS Sabre chips, a 5″ full-color display, balanced XLR outputs for serious audio setups, and the same great THX headphone amp as its little brother. All three models support DSD playback, Dirac Live room correction (coming soon), and can wirelessly connect to other Bluesound speakers for whole-home audio. 

What About Your Old Music Library?

Yes, we’re getting there. First, you need to liberate it from that old iPod. We might be able to help you find it on your computer or an old hard drive. Once you find it, did you know that Bluesound Nodes can connect to it and play it like streaming? And with something like the Roon music management system, it’s even more of a joy to rediscover your old music and play it. We’ll show you how to do it. 

Putting together the right streaming setup isn’t just about buying gear. Lots of thought should go into matching components to your system, your budget, and how you like to listen to music. 

That’s why we invite you to visit the HiFi Buys showroom, Atlanta’s most chill, no-pressure hi-fi audio destination. Our experts can help you navigate the streaming waters and find the perfect solution for your setup. Contact us here or hit us up on the chat box below to connect. We look forward to working with you!

One Firefly

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