Best Amp or Receiver for Streaming Music

[rl_7]

Hi All,

I am planning to buy a new receiver or amp + 2 bookshelf speakers for my living room. I plan to use it mainly for music. The thing is that I stream most of my music through Rhapsody (I don't store any files on my computer or CDs).

I was hoping to get some advice on which amp or receiver is best for streaming music? Also, what is the ideal set up for keeping the sound quality as much as possible?

For the speakers I was planning on buying the Polk Audio RTi A3 or Paradigm Mini Monitor.

My budget for the receiver/amp and the speakers is up to $1000.

Thanks,
RL

[Mike Anderson]

Hmmm. I didn't know they built amps or receivers that stream music these days, although I wouldn't be surprised to hear it.

Check out the Slim Devices line of products though:

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_overview.html

I love my Squeezebox.

[02audionoob]

I think I would suggest a high-quality sound card and a cable to split the 3.5mm Line Out into two RCA plugs, which you connect to the inputs on any receiver, integrated amp or preamp you like. You could also run your sound to the receiver with a USB device to output to RCA plugs or wireless:

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=206&product=10702

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/surpluscomputers_1944_2155695

http://www.ixbt.com/short/2k3-09/creat2_1.jpg

I've found the sound quality of Rhapsody isn't all that high, so I just use one of these:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90118944&listingid=34033381&dcaid=17902

It's an amp with two sets of inputs that switch automatically when a source is detected. You could do far better with your budget, though.

[Ajani]

Hi All,

I am planning to buy a new receiver or amp + 2 bookshelf speakers for my living room. I plan to use it mainly for music. The thing is that I stream most of my music through Rhapsody (I don't store any files on my computer or CDs).

I was hoping to get some advice on which amp or receiver is best for streaming music? Also, what is the ideal set up for keeping the sound quality as much as possible?

For the speakers I was planning on buying the Polk Audio RTi A3 or Paradigm Mini Monitor.

My budget for the receiver/amp and the speakers is up to $1000.

Thanks,
RL

For $1K and your objective, I'd get:

A Squeezebox Classic $300

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_squeezebox.html

A Parasound Zamp V3 $350

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZAMPV3

And a nice pair of bookshelves (like the two you're thinking of)...