Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
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Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
This is similar to Latteman's separate thread but I felt it might be digressing slightly if I posted there as it's specific to my set-up. I currently stream Spotify from my iPad or Surface via a Gramofon device ( https://gramofon.com/) and through mt Rega Ellicit-R amplifier. Whilst I'm happy enough with the sound 'as is' I'd be interested to know whether there's any lowish-cost options to improve the set up. It's only appears to be the mini-jack I use to connect it to my Ellicit-R. Thanks all.
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
Looking at pics of the Gramofon, it doesn't seem to have a digital output so an external DAC is out of the question. Device looks like a simplified Sonos Connect - if you could find one cheap, then there are more output options.
A better PSU might improve SQ slightly.
Edit: a wired LAN connection will also give better SQ. Less chance of drop-outs or RF interference.
A better PSU might improve SQ slightly.
Edit: a wired LAN connection will also give better SQ. Less chance of drop-outs or RF interference.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a {x2)
Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 & PSU - BMUAiyima A07 MAX + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
Thanks Fretless, I suspected it may not be possible to connect an external DAC. So, basically, a different device that offers the opportunity to improve it with an external DAC or PSU then?
- slinger
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
I've just had a quick nose around with Google, and the alternative to the Gramofon I've seen mentioned most often is the Chromecast.
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
- Fretless
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
If you are sticking with Spotify then I wouldn't get too carried away in trying to improve the SQ.
Spotify uses a lossy format called Ogg Vorbis which is like FLAC but more compressed. When I started getting into file-based audio I compared the different formats available and Ogg is significantly better then MP3 at similar bit-rates (MP3's sound flat and lifeless, Ogg has a fuller, richer sound). Spotify (certainly the Premium setting) does sound pretty good but it isn't going to compare with the FLAC streaming from Qobuz and Tidal.
I would try to get hold of a 2nd-hand Sonos Connect if you can. It outputs analogue RCA (fixed and variable volume) and digital out (optical & coax - also with possibility to adjust volume remotely). There is an extra RCA line-in, so you can use it as a preamp and attach a CD-player. UI is excellent, sound quality is good to very good. Wired and wireless network connection (can also be used as a network hub).
Only drawback: Sonos equipment won't help much if you are looking for Hi-Res audio as 24-bit signals are truncated and processed as 16bit.
And they look pretty smart too.
Spotify uses a lossy format called Ogg Vorbis which is like FLAC but more compressed. When I started getting into file-based audio I compared the different formats available and Ogg is significantly better then MP3 at similar bit-rates (MP3's sound flat and lifeless, Ogg has a fuller, richer sound). Spotify (certainly the Premium setting) does sound pretty good but it isn't going to compare with the FLAC streaming from Qobuz and Tidal.
I would try to get hold of a 2nd-hand Sonos Connect if you can. It outputs analogue RCA (fixed and variable volume) and digital out (optical & coax - also with possibility to adjust volume remotely). There is an extra RCA line-in, so you can use it as a preamp and attach a CD-player. UI is excellent, sound quality is good to very good. Wired and wireless network connection (can also be used as a network hub).
Only drawback: Sonos equipment won't help much if you are looking for Hi-Res audio as 24-bit signals are truncated and processed as 16bit.
And they look pretty smart too.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a {x2)
Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 & PSU - BMUAiyima A07 MAX + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
Great stuff - many thanks, Fretless...One of these days we must exchange details about our respective fretless basses for I too am a 4 string twanger and owner of one without those pesky bits of wire across the neck (as well, admittedly, as a couple with them)!
- Fretless
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
One of these ...
Cort B4FL with mahogany body. Cort are a Korean firm who manufacture for several 'big-name' brands, their own designs are top-class.
Sorely neglected of late - more a listener than a player these days (too damn busy as well).
Edit: (guitar-freak note) spotted this photo on the web but see that it is an older passive model, my bass has 5 pots and a passive/acive switch - although I only really use passive mode, just for that natural 'woody' sound.
Cort B4FL with mahogany body. Cort are a Korean firm who manufacture for several 'big-name' brands, their own designs are top-class.
Sorely neglected of late - more a listener than a player these days (too damn busy as well).
Edit: (guitar-freak note) spotted this photo on the web but see that it is an older passive model, my bass has 5 pots and a passive/acive switch - although I only really use passive mode, just for that natural 'woody' sound.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a {x2)
Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 & PSU - BMUAiyima A07 MAX + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
Mine is this - Zoot Custom:
Mahogany body too with flamed maple top. 3 band Noll preamp. Sounds superb.
Mahogany body too with flamed maple top. 3 band Noll preamp. Sounds superb.
- Fretless
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
Yummy - I'm jealous.
Upstairs:
VinylPro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a {x2)
Little Bear MC2 + AQ NightHawk
Downstairs:
VinylLogic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 & PSU - BMUAiyima A07 MAX + Arcam One
HP: Allo DigiOne + Sabaj A10d + AQ NightOwl
Office: Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith 887 + German Maestro GMP 450
- slinger
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Re: Streaming Spotify through Gramofon - improvements?
Here's mine...
It's a Hudosn PBS4 FL-NOP
It's a Hudosn PBS4 FL-NOP
Amps - NVA P50, AP30, A40, Stanislav Palo Tube Headphone Amp BB 85
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X
Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver RX2
Cables - NVA LS1+LS3, SSC, Gotham S/PDIF, IBRA Optical
Digital - NAD C516BEE, SONY ST-SDB900 DAB TUNER, TEAC UD-H01 DAC
Analogue - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Phono
Cans - Grado SR80, ATH-M50X