Discerning a difference between streamers is difficult...only me or common for all?
I have struggled to appreciate the upgrade to the streamer in my system. A couple years ago I had an Audio Research DAC 8 being fed by a Bluesound Node 2i. I picked up an Aurender N10 and did not appreciate anything so sold the N10. I tried a couple all-in-one units. First was the Aurender A20 and I was happy but curious about dCS. I got a Bartok 2.0 and felt the music was more natural sounding from the Bartok and sold the A20. I have always wanted the Audio Research DAC 9 to match all my other AR gear so got one that showed up on eBay a couple weeks ago. Since I couldn’t use the Bartok to stream I ordered a new Bluesound Node Nano so I could utilize the DAC 9 immediately. The pair sounded wonderful but I did not compare it to the Bartok. I ended up getting a quick buyer and it was already gone. The following week I purchase an Aurender W20. I was prepared to have my mind blown....but no. Some albums I could not tell any difference in the sound and others I think the W20 sounded slightly better but again...nothing huge. For the money and the space the W20 took on my shelf, I sold it. Over the years I always appreciate upgrades for all other components. This makes me feel like I am losing my mind. Have any others experienced this regarding streamers? I want to try more. Auralic and Lumin are on my list.
Thanks,
Dana
Streamers are simply specialized computers. They rely on hardware and programming. So differences in streamer sound can exist but the differences when present are often hard to detect without direct a/b tests. For example, I did a/b comparison of sound between Plexamp and “vanilla” Roon streaming software prior to switching to Roon and the difference in a/b testing was clear and profound. But even Roon’s sound can vary to a very great extent when DSP functionality in Roon is applied. Digital streaming is a whole new world when it comes to sound quality. Pretty much anything is possible. The good news it’s not that hard to do well and most even decent quality streamers do a good job making good sound more widely available to more than ever before. But streaming is like beautiful women. There are all kinds and no two are often exactly alike. |
One thing to consider is that audio memory is fleeting. Unless you are able to switch quickly from one set up to another and have them be volume matched to within 0.1dB, making a comparison with any veritas is difficult at best unless maybe you are playing a specific snippet of music that has something in it that you are noticing for comparison, say the sound of a kick drum or a flute or whatever. |
Thanks everyone for the reassurance as I feel this digital world is a bit unique in how we can build a great system I know @ghdprentice has had a different experience as I have read his posts of how his system improved with each advancement of streamer someone mentioned pianos and how they can pose challenges for systems in their reproduction of the natural sound. I mainly listen to classic rock, jazz, r&b and blues so maybe my music taste is also not as demanding. there is also no one size fits all or even one shoe works for all on a side note, my favorite 2nd cousin(same age)brought her husband and 3 kids to my home for thanksgiving and her oldest daughter(20)was blown away at my 1500 records and I am excited to put together a bundle of records for her as a Christmas gift...my heart will always be in the groove |
You're not crazy. I have a $2400 streamer and a $500 fed into the same DAC so I can instantly AB and I'm struggling to hear a difference. Or I believe I hear one, only to go back and explore again and poof! The difference is gone or subtle at best. But I keep trying. I realize we trade in nuance and subtlety in this hobby. If I got a subtle but definite improvement, I would pay good money for it. My system is highly resolving so every bit matters (to me). |
