Help settle a streaming argument!

This is a SQ argument and is as follows- I argue if you connect your streamer to an outboard DAC the streamer does not matter it’s just serving the music to the outboard DAC to do the work. Therefore, buy a basic streamer. The other is that you need to buy a top quality streamer and DAC to get great SQ.

I liken it to cd players or the more pretentious cd transport argument- if the intent is to connect to outboard DAC the cd player doesn’t matter the outboard DAC DOES!

features and functionality aside! Thoughts…..

polkalover10-22-2023 12:57pm

...
137 posts total
View entire discussion

cfa88 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 110 posts 10-23-2023 at 04:48am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The topic whether a streamer matters in a digital chain has been brought up several times and yes, a streamer is a key component of your system. Investing in a quality streamer if you have a decent system with expensive gears. Enjoy the music.
mbmi Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 538 posts 10-23-2023 at 06:43am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Is there a 3,000 dollar streamer that's as easy to use as a Node?
markprice Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 35 posts 10-23-2023 at 08:23am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You could just buy something like a Dcs Bartok which is what I did. This has a high quality streamer, Dac and Preamp. It is an impressive bit of kit. No more messing about with separates. Mark
dave777tx Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 32 posts 10-23-2023 at 11:08am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @polkalover I really like the Innuos Mk3 too, great streamer I had it and even gets better with a good power cable, audio grade switch and good Ethernet cable. In my case the Shunyata Omega, Phoenix Net and AudioQuest Diamond. later I upgraded to the Statement and the Mk3 did not land far away even with the price difference good luck
dinov Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 825 posts 10-23-2023 at 11:33am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Liken a streamer to a cd transport…the DAC is the component that make the difference in sound. So buy a basic streamer if you like your DAC. The only other variable with a streamer is noise, a better streamer should be a less noisy one.