Streaming. It’s powerful, it’s versatile and its potentially infinite. We’re huge fans of it here at Audio Affair (I’m actually streaming internet radio through my work PC and via my Yamaha NX50s, just in case you were curious!) and even the most hardened analogue-aficionado will admit it’s getting better and better all the time. Will it ever surpass CD or even vinyl in terms of sound quality? Some say never, some say yes and many will say it already has – including us! High resolution 24-bit is a powerful and wonderful thing, and with the right kit you will get a truly revolutionary quality of sound.
Despite the advances, streaming is still something which some are… scared (for want of a better word!) to try out. It’s no wonder really, the possibilities are vast and the methods are many. But broken down into its basic components, streaming is no more complicated than playing a CD, and is certainly easier than setting up a turntable! If you want your music to be quick, easy and accessible – at least for your day-to-day – then streaming is the way to go.
But… which way to go?
While there are more ways then just the three (main) ways we’re about to go into, here are three of the best ways to introduce streaming into your life.
Beginner: The Wireless Add-On
The easiest (and the cheapest) way to get into streaming (particularly if you already have an existing hi-fi system) is investing in a good quality wireless adapter or receiver kit – i.e. the add on! This works by attaching to your existing system via your amplifier (or your activated speakers), and then receiving music streamed via Bluetooth from another device which pairs with the adapter in the same way as any other Bluetooth device.
This may sound a little complicated, hut it is actually very simple. Pair your device (your smart phone, your tablet, your pre-enabled laptop or even desktop) with the adapter by scanning for it (and making sure it’s turned on!). Once it’s paired, the adapter will typically attach to your amplifier via a stereo input. Then, switch on your amplifier and make sure the correct input is selected. Then all you have to do is play your desired music through your phone/tablet/laptop as you normally would, and it will play through your system rather than your phone/tablet/laptop etc. speakers, and thus be immensely superior.
Pretty nifty huh?
All receivers work in much the same way. If your computer/laptop isn’t already Bluetooth enabled then it will be possible to make it so with a wireless receiver kit which contains both the transmitter and the receiver – one which you can plug directly into your laptop, and the other into your amp (as you would have before), and then away you go.
When shopping for adapters and kits, keep an eye out for whether it’s Bluetooth AptX or not, as this will make a HUGE difference to the sound quality. AptX makes up for traditional Bluetooth’s shortcomings with lossless and high-fidelity streaming. Your device also has to be compatible to make the most of this, but that’s easy enough to find out.
Another sub category in the wireless is the wireless speaker, which work in much the same way (but with serious cut backs on the required system). But that’s another blog for another time.
Intermediate: The Streaming System
There are a number of different types of streamers (in a number of different price brackets) but they all work in much the same way. The main differences are what’s included within the system, and whether or not wireless is included. And you’ll find that the newer models come complete with Bluetooth as standard.
Okay, so the main differences are typically, whether or not the streaming system is…
– Hi-fi Streamer – a dedicated streaming separate
– Amplified/active streamer – a streamer which has a built in amplifier (just add speakers!)
– All-in-one network streamer – a streamer which comes amplified, and typically features a CD player, a tuner and wireless capability too.
Some of the all-in-ones will also come with speakers – or be a fully functioning all-in-one device, such as…
Oh look – it’s the Naim Mu-so!
Streaming systems are not a on-size-fits all kind of thing, they’re very dependent on your existing gear, and of course what you’re willing to spend. But despite each one being different, the vast majority of them will allow you to stream internet radio, the files from your PC (and NAS drive, we’ll get onto that in a moment) and from online streaming sites like Spotify or Tidal. Many of them are controllable via a reomte control, or even an app on your phone too! Yes, it’s more expensive than the simple act of adding an adapter, but it’s far more effective and really quite addictive once you get used to it, especially once you explore the multi-room option!
Advanced: The NAS Drive
When we call this advanced, we do so because – despite it being one of the most efficient ways of both storing and streaming all of your music – it’s still widely unknown, even among audiophiles! NAS drives essentially work as giant hard drives, geared up for easy access and streaming. We’re all big fans of NAS drives (and servers) here, for a number of reasons.
1. You can store all of your music on them, bar your vinyl. But we’re sure technology is working on a way around that!
2. Rip all of your CDs onto it, and store in one easily accessed place. No more sifting through endless cases (and risking scratches!) this can take some time, especially if you have a large CD collection. But it can be quite fun to sort through your music collection, and once it’s done it’s done. All your music, all in one place.
3. It’s much safer than streaming (and storing) directly onto your PC – and because it’s a dedicated storage system, that’s all its processing power is dedicated to. This is particularly crucial if your PC is a little slower than desired!
There are two different types of NAS: one is purely a advanced storage space which can be joined with a streamer for easy, hassle-free streaming. It’s just another comparment to your existing system, but will require some sort of streamer (hi-fi or otherwise) in order to work. But if you want to jump straight into the NAS way of life without a pre-existing streaming system, the best way to do it is with a server!
A serve combines all the strengths of both the NAS drive and the streamer together into one, storing your music and giving you the direct ability to stream it, all in one! This cuts so many corners and streamlines your system beautifully, plus offers a level of security that is otherwise unreachable via any other method.
Frankly, we don’t know why everyone isn’t using a server. But, the sooner we spread the word, the more common they will become!
Got any questions? Just give us a shout! We’ve been streaming since the word was coined, and know pretty much everything there is to know. We have plenty of stuff on demo in our showroom, and can even show you exactly how to use it all! Not that it’s difficult, but we will never miss an opportunity to show off!