Need to Update hi-fi sound system

DullGreyGuy

Hoenir said:

DullGreyGuy said:

onesixfive said:

We'd like to update our sound system. But It's no longer so simple as going to buy a new record deck or cd player.

What do we buy that isn't going to be out of date in a couple of years?

Is everything reliant on monthly subscription to Spotify or similar since we no longer have cd's or LPs

Our lounge has the big speakers, turntable, Arcam amp and the bluray player acts as the CD player on the rare occasion of wanting one. The amp has Tidal and Spotify connect so it can stream the music from those services directly. 

In my study I've a pair of "wireless" Kef LX speakers on my desk which again can stream directly, the computer connects to them etc.

Very nice. What turntable do you use? 

Effectively a ClearAudio Concept MC with an upgraded cartridge after a cleaner related accident. Bought it from Germany and at the time it was massively cheaper to buy there than here... both have raised prices significantly since then. 

Username03725

onesixfive said:

...
We've got rid of our LP  & CD collections. But would prefer something better/nicer for our main music source.

We'd like to update our sound system. But It's no longer so simple as going to buy a new record deck or cd player.

What do we buy that isn't going to be out of date in a couple of years?

Is everything reliant on monthly subscription to Spotify or similar since we no longer have cd's or LPs

Advice or ideas please?

It is as simple as buying a CD player or a record deck, but you buy an audio streamer instead. Check to see what Richer Sounds have, or if you fancy spending a bit more check out places like Sevenoaks HiFi, Audio-T etc for their streamer options. If you do get one, just like a CDP or a TT you'll need an amp & speakers, but it's all worth it.

You're not tied to Spotify etc but they do provide a decent service if you don't have your own audio files. Alternatives esp if you want hi-res online audio would be things like Tidal or Qobuz - look for their deals or the annual payment that saves over monthly equivalents.

If you have a PC it's trivial to rip CD audio to local files that can go on your USB drive etc. DBPowerAmp is very good for this - costs a few quid (£20iirc?) but does a fine job of converting to MP3, FLAC etc at whatever quality you prefer. MP3Tag (free, already mentioned) is great for correcting info in your MP3 / AAC / Flac etc files and lets you add album art if it's missing so it looks right on the streamer display and on your phone or tablet that you'll control it from.. 

A streamer will play audio from online services and will also happily play whatever you have on a USB drive that plugs straight into it. You can extend by adding an external NAS drive with either its own server software built in or if you want to make a job of it, add a Raspberry Pi running music server s/w. I use Assett fwiw but there are plenty of options. Do it one step at a time if you prefer. 

Most streamers will also play internet radio from around the world so you'll have ample choice, and some of the higher-end gear can also play BBC radio HD feeds, which are effectively a direct link to studio output so you'll get the best quality available without the need for an expensive aerial on your roof. BBC Radios 2, 3, 4 & 6 all sound very good in HD.

Enjoy.

Username03725

Or more simply a Naim Muso; a neat one-box solution that offers great sound quality and all the internet + USB + NAS options mentioned above. They often pop up on eBay.

And to add, these things also offer Bluetooth connection, so you can also stream from your phone etc and hear the audio through your system.

DUBVENDOR

I have the Naim muso as well it great and is on offer at £879 new now . Also i have Arcam Amp and CD player  the Streaming side of them does seem over complicated  and never use the streaming function .Also  own a Ruark R5 which fantastic a very easy to use and sounds great . 

km1500

have you thought of Ruark audio ....

https://www.ruarkaudio.com/products/r410-integrated-music-system