Internet Radio

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VT Skier

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Has anyone ever compared an inexpensive internet "tuner" (like the one in an Aurender) to a more expensive one such as a Magnum Dynalab?

I'm particularly interested if there's any difference when using their respective digital signals into a fairly nice DAC/Preamp combination. I'm sure there's a difference in analog performance if the units have internal DACs.
 
VT Skier said:
Has anyone ever compared an inexpensive internet "tuner" (like the one in an Aurender) to a more expensive one such as a Magnum Dynalab?

I'm particularly interested if there's any difference when using their respective digital signals into a fairly nice DAC/Preamp combination. I'm sure there's a difference in analog performance if the units have internal DACs.
Click to expand...

VT Skier.......Internet radio is quite simply MP3 streaming audio. Some stations stream at a low 128Kbps, while others will stream at a more respectable 256Kbps or 320Kbps, but at best it is still MP3 quality streaming. I really would not term an Aurender music server as an inexpensive Internet tuner any more than it is an inexpensive Tidal streamer. The Aurender music servers are exceptional audio components that deliver exceptional music quality doing their primary design function, that being a remarkable music server. Being able to tune Internet radio is just icing on the cake.

The Magnum Dynalab MD108 Internet tuner ($1600) does exactly what every other Internet tuner does, decode MP3 quality digital radio streaming. It doesn't do it any better than a desktop or laptop computer, or Sonos, or Aurender. It does have the advantage of tuning FM radio, DAB, and can play music files while connecting wireless or Ethernet to your router, and provides remote control. It has left and right channel single ended analog outputs. For its price the MD108 is a decent tuner with multiple radio and music file options. If your primary interest is streaming Internet radio, there are any number of less expensive ways to do it while getting the same sound quality. On the other hand, if the additonal capabilities of the MD108 appeal to you, the Magnum Dynalab Internet tuner might be the way to go.
 
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