Streamer limitations

Hi

I have a Beosound 5 set up with Beolab 8000 speakers which is really nice hardware but limited regarding the navigation etc.

While I find the Beosound has a beautiful build quality, the navigation between CDs or tracks is getting frustrating.

I'm looking at replacing it with a streamer/NAS/iPad.

I don't need wireless or fancy streaming - just a way to connect my ripped cd collection to the 8000s with an up to date navigation app.

From looking on the forum it seems the B&O Core or Auralic products work well for this.

Can I use any streamer seeing as it's just a cabled link between the NAS and the speakers?

There are lots available but none specify B&O compatibility - it seems to me that all I need is the input from the NAS and an RCA or Toslink output for the speakers?

Thanks for any advice

Graham

 

 

Hi - Here is my configuration that could be a discussion starting point for your requirement:

(1) NAS for storage of my ripped music. NAS is wired to my domestic LAN

(2) PLEX server package running on the NAS to organize and enrich my music collection

(3) BS Core wired to my domestic LAN driving BL 18 and 8000

(4) PLEX App suite on my Mac, iPhone and iPad to control and/or stream music to the Core

How do I listen to music:

(1) using PLEX or PlexAmp app on my iPad to stream to the BS Core leveraging AirPlay 2

(2) using B&O app to control BS Core DLNA client against PLEX DLNA server

(3) using my Samsung TV PLEX app. My Samsung TV is connected optical to the Core

Notes:

Plexamp user interface allows you different smart ways of selecting the music to play, as well as nice options like almost gapless playing and volume leveling which is not possible with DLNA.

With PLEX you can also listen to your NAS stored music on your mobile device from outside your home, including in a car, without the need to preload music on your mobile device, assuming you have a decent internet connection.

With PLEX you can also listen to your NAS stored music on any Chromecast enabled speaker, inside your home or outside your home, e.g a friend’s connected speaker.

Thanks

This is exactly the sort of thing I want to do so good to know it works.

I'm mainly not sure whether I can replace the Core with another streamer such as the Arcam or AudioNet 600N, and what software package to use.

Not sure about the pros and cons of Core vs another streamer.

PLEX is at the top of the list for software right now.

I never thought about using it as a source in my car - that would be great.

GrahamBarwick:

I'm mainly not sure whether I can replace the Core with another streamer such as the Arcam or AudioNet 600N, and what software package to use.

According to other forum users, the Core seems to be a good deal compared to other DAC/Streamers, personally I have no experience to share on this front.

The Core is key in my setup as i extensively use Beolink to stream music in all my home.

Also it is hasslefree to set up the connection to the BL8000 (using Powerlink cables). 

In addition you get access to netradio stations - controlled by the Bang & Olufsen app or a Beoremote One.

This would also give you a more precise control of the volume.

MM

The Core would be probably the easiest solution, I'm just a bit wary after the Beosound 5 software. It's good to know that I can use the Core with non-B&O software.

Thanks.

I use an Auralic Aries Mini (no longer made sadly) in my mains setup, to both stream to (Spotify, internet radio) and it has an SSD which holds all my ripped music. That system is a BS9000 and BL9s, the Mini is connected to the Aux In on the BS9000.

In the dining room area I have a pair of BL8000s connected to a little Tibo Bond 2 streamer (inexpensive) via its Powerlink output. It sounds good, but I've never put it in the mains system and listened to it with my "audiophile" ears on so I can't say how it compares sonically, and such tests are hard to do properly anyway unless there's something so terrible it shows up easily as a difference.

I do enjoy the Auralic, it works well, the iPad app works well, it's been pretty flawless so far. But then the Tibo has been as well. Both refreshingly better than my Playmaker turned out to be sadly.

Thanks

If you're using a non B&O streamer like your Auralic how do you manage the volume?

Well, the Auralic has a volume control for its analog outs, but I run it into my Beosound 9000 and then from that to the BL9s, so volume, balance, tone control/loudness are controlled via the BSS9000 using my Beo4 remote. I use my iPad to select songs/sources on the Auralic and turn playback on and off. Perhaps inelegant as it takes two remotes but I like it fine.