RelaxWithPep wrote:

... What is the best way - the best components, the best choices - to maximize my listening experience and the sound quality of the music I hear if basically I only listen to music through the computer? I listen to a lot of internet radio. I love the online streams at KCRW (in Santa Monica) and WFMU (in Jersey City). I listen to lots of albums on Spotify. What should I do to get the best sound for, say, $750? How about $1500? Thank you so much in advance for the generous input of the knowledgeable posters here.

If you are asking about getting a good stereo system to play things through, I suggest that you get a NAD C326BEE integrated amplifier ($549) and a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.2 speakers ($349). Music Direct sells them.

As for access to programming, I use a Grace Digital Solo Internet tuner, which cost me around $90. It is good enough that I listen to it through my main stereo system, using Vandersteen Treo speakers ($7000).

It has thousands of preprogrammed internet radio stations from all over the world, organized by programming genre, geographical location, call letters (for the USA), etc. etc.

It has 10 button presets and will automatically download firmware updates.

It has analog output jacks to hook to any amplifier or receiver, and can he hardwired to the internet modem or connect by WiFi if you have a router.

It displays the data rate for each station you are listening to, which gives you a good indication of the sound quality you are going to hear. The sound quality is basically determined by the data rate the station chooses to use.

The SOLO model I have is no longer in production, but the GDI-IRCA700 is almost the same and Amazon has it for $120. Staples also sells it. I think the Grace Digital site has some Solos for sale factory refurbished from time to time.

Amazon also sells the GDI-IRC7500, which has its own amplifiers and little stereo speakers, for $180; a complete little stereo internet radio in an attractive walnut case that just needs to connect to the internet and stands alone.