Running Spotify on iPad through an amp with a built in DAC

[toon10]

I currently have an old Hi-Fi setup which I’m looking to upgrade as I’m not getting the quality I want. I use an iPad which is plugged into the Amp via 3.5m jack RCA into the aux on the amp. I have an OK CD player and good turntable but most of my music is streamed via Spotify which I appreciate isn’t lossless. Still, listening to Spotify Premium without running through a decent DAC is killing my music pleasure even more.

I’m already looking at getting some decent bookshelf speakers to replace my old Tannoys but I was thinking of upgrading my amp while I’m on. I have a Marantz 6010 OSE but the Marantz PM6006 has a built in DAC and can be picked up for < £300 now.

What do I need to get my Spotify music to play through the DAC on the amp? I’ve done a bit of Googling and some people are talking about using an AirPort Express plugged into the amp with an optical cable thus negating the need to hardwire the iPad. Is there another way without me having to buy an AirPort Express? Am I better off just buying a dedicated DAC and plugging that into my existing amp?

[mackie1]

If the DAC can accept a USB connection then all you need is the Lightning to USB OTG adapter (known as the Camera Connection Kit or CCK) and away you go. If it can only accept optical or coax then you may be out of luck without an additional box of tricks.

[legzr1]

Bit of a left field suggestion but if you're thinking of replacing the amp why not look at a previously loved (used ) AV amp from Avforums - any recent, decent amp should include Spotify on-board and many of them function perfectly well in stereo some using excellent DACs.

[toon10]

Thanks for the tips guys. I think one of the things the Marantz PM6006 is marked down on reviews for is the lack of USB! I think the AVforums idea has some legs although I'm a bit like a woman in a shoe shop when it comes to things like that. I'll do some more research on amps to see what I can pick up on the cheap. Most of my Googling centred around connecting my device to the DAC on board the PM6006 but if I'm spending money on an amp anyway, I might as well see what I can get with built in Spotify.

[legzr1]

There's lots of choice so can be difficult to choose but the SR' range of AV amps share many of the amp circuits with the PM range in equivalent models so two channel should sound fairly equal.

An iPad will control the built in Spotify app on the Marantz and will also airplay to the device with files stored on the iPad. The same Marantz app will control any DNLA or USB attached storage so it's a neat, one stop solution for your needs.

£300 should get you an SR 6-series in great condition which retailed at £1000+ not too long ago.

Then you can plug all your AV sources into it too and improve audio from TV, built in TVs apps and DVD/BR.

[Biker 1]

I've got a Marantz 6006 & to my untrained ears it sounds awesome. I've got a Google Chromecast connected to my TV, which is connected to the amp via optical input. So: my phone beams Google Play Music to Chromecast, & everything is digital until it gets to the DAC in the amp. I believe you can use iThingy with Chromecast, but not sure about iTunes compatibility.

Edit: it seems you can: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/stream-spotify-io...

Edited by Biker 1 on Friday 27th January 16:15

[toon10]

Biker 1 said:

I've got a Marantz 6006 & to my untrained ears it sounds awesome. I've got a Google Chromecast connected to my TV, which is connected to the amp via optical input. So: my phone beams Google Play Music to Chromecast, & everything is digital until it gets to the DAC in the amp. I believe you can use iThingy with Chromecast, but not sure about iTunes compatibility.

Edit: it seems you can: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/stream-spotify-io...

Edited by Biker 1 on Friday 27th January 16:15

That's not a bad shout actually. So if I understand correctly, the signal is converted to digital on the Chromecast which I assume isn't the best DAC in the world but once it's on the amp via optical, it's using the amp DAC anyway?

[legzr1]

toon10 said:

That's not a bad shout actually. So if I understand correctly, the signal is converted to digital on the Chromecast which I assume isn't the best DAC in the world but once it's on the amp via optical, it's using the amp DAC anyway?

The Chromecast will strip the digital audio signal out and send it via toslink/optical as a bitstream - no conversion should take place until the DACs in your amp.

Sounds like the cheapest option.

[GravelBen]

legzr1 said:

The Chromecast will strip the digital audio signal out and send it via toslink/optical as a bitstream - no conversion should take place until the DACs in your amp.

Sounds like the cheapest option.

I do similar but with HDMI from PC to TV currently, thinking about alternatives so I don't have to have the tv on to listen to music. Does the chromecast do it without the TV being on? Might not work for my setup, but I could do something similar wired with a HDMI>HDMI+ audio splitter I guess.

Much better sound than running PC headphone jack to the amp anyway.

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 30th January 11:43

[toon10]

Just thought I'd give an update as a few unexpected bills came up and I'd shelved my upgrade plans for a while... I decided to get a receiver with Spotify connect in the end. I also wanted much better speakers.

I had a good look at receivers with phono stage and spotify connect as part of the feature set. It lead me to Onkyo TX-8150 and Yamaha RC-602. My local dealer couldn't get a the Onkyo in so I decided to audition the Yamaha with several speaker options. Luckily the demo room matched the layout of my room. I've no doubt there are better amps out there even at this price point but I really wanted the extensive features this box gives. USB, optical connections, phono, sub out, AirPlay, Internet radio, etc. As it turns out, the Yamaha sounded great and matched well to a few different speakers.

I tried the Dali Zensor 5's which produced an impressive sound. As expected, the 7's delivered more punch and had a similar sound to them. I couldn't argue against anyone going for these as they sounded great.

I then tried a few Monitor Audio options which matched the Yamaha really well and had a bit more mid range. I ended up buying the Yamaha and some Monitor Audio Silver 6's. The sound they produced simply blew me away. A little more than I wanted to spend and I was originally looking at the bronze series but now I've set the system up at home, I'm even happier. I didn't get to test the phono stage on the day but I connected my turntable to it at home and it's so much better than what I was getting from my ancient old Marantz. I can enjoy my vinyl again.

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions. It's been a long journey for me as I'm not impulsive and spend ages researching and gathering opinions but I'm more than happy with what I've ended up with.

So my setup is now...

Yamaha RN-602 receiver
Project Debut SE turntable
old Marantz CD player
Monitor Audio Silver 6 speakers

[legzr1]

Sounds like a result.

Try running a digital cable from your CD player to the amp and run it in 'pure' if it has such a setting.
You might be pleasantly surprised at the sound using the amps on board DACS.

[toon10]

legzr1 said:

Sounds like a result.

Try running a digital cable from your CD player to the amp and run it in 'pure' if it has such a setting.
You might be pleasantly surprised at the sound using the amps on board DACS.

Great tip. I've just run RCA to the CD player but the amp does have a pure mode. I have a spare Toslink connection free although the CD player is old and won't have any digital connections.