Re evaluation : guidance sought.

[jacquesbrel1155]

Hi recently returned to my (dated) hi fi habit.
I'll outline my equipment in the hope you'll steer me in the right direction.
Current set up:

Arcam Rplay streaming Tidal (top tier).
Marantz CD 606

Linn Intek integrated amp

Monitor Audio Bronze speakers with stands.

I recently had a HiFi weekend and revisited my system
I compared the CD and streaming experiences.
I ran direct comparisons through the two sources and noticed significant under performance from the streamed source.
CD was consistently more listenable with better soundstage and detail. I found CD a warmer, more engaging experience.
I appreciate my septuagenarian ears are not what they were but I was genuinelyy surprised and a little disappointed with streaming source.
Am I comparing like with like? Would a streaming upgrade yield significant improvement? Is this all subjective?
Your comments would be appreciated

 

[Henry's Cat]

I'm not a fan of using streaming to listen to music. You could try the middle ground by using a computer to host digital files and play them back via your Arcam Rplay, using it as digital to analogue converter. I've a budget system using a repurposed WYSE Z90D7 thin client running Daphile. This is dedicated free music server software that can handle lots of different codecs and can connect to streaming services. It is controlled by a web browser so can be operated via a mobile phone, tablet or PC. My music collection has been ripped from CDs I own, FLAC and MP3 files I have bought or vinyl that I have digitised via Vinyl Studio, all stored on a 256GB USB3 memory stick plugged into the thin client. The Z90D7 feeds an external DAC via a USB connection. Unfortunately, I'm short of space so cannot have a CD player and turntable permanently connected to my NAD 1240 preamplifier.

 

[DiggyGun]

Hi recently returned to my (dated) hi fi habit.
I'll outline my equipment in the hope you'll steer me in the right direction.
Current set up:

Arcam Rplay streaming Tidal (top tier).
Marantz CD 606

Linn Intek integrated amp

Monitor Audio Bronze speakers with stands.

I recently had a HiFi weekend and revisited my system
I compared the CD and streaming experiences.
I ran direct comparisons through the two sources and noticed significant under performance from the streamed source.
CD was consistently more listenable with better soundstage and detail. I found CD a warmer, more engaging experience.
I appreciate my septuagenarian ears are not what they were but I was genuinelyy surprised and a little disappointed with streaming source.
Am I comparing like with like? Would a streaming upgrade yield significant improvement? Is this all subjective?
Your comments would be appreciated

It's nice to hear that you are re-appreciating your Hi-Fi system.

Both your amp and streamer are quite old now.

Keeping system simple and within a reasonable cost you could consider getting a one box steamer / amp, such as the Wiim Amp Ultra.

This would give you the latest streaming technology and latest Class D amplifier in a nice simple box with a remote control. The Wiim App is very good for controlling the system and selecting your music to listen too.

Your Marantz CD player would simply plug in as a source, connect your speakers and you would have a nice simple two box system.

Streaming wise Tidal is good and offers Hi-Res. Depending on your choice of music. If you like Classical or Jazz, consider getting Qobuz which is also Hi-Res. You can try a free month subscription to see if you like it.

I only stream and listen to Jazz using Qobuz which for me is excellent and a simple way to enjoy music.

I used to listen to LPs and CDs with a ten black box system, but changed this to a one box system a few years ago and never looked back.

Whichever way you go, enjoy your music and journey, but please keep us updated.

DG…