Help settle a streaming argument!

@polkalover 

I liken it to cd players or the more pretentious cd transport argument.

There is nothing inherently "pretentious" about choosing separate transport and DAC over a CDP.  For many of us,the former route is a superior choice due to what we hear -- it has absolutely nothing to do with an "uppity attitude". 

@rgottschalk The Audioquest Cinnamon is a good low cost/high value cable...but not up to the rest of your system...I use one with my computer...borrow some USB cables and give it a try...made a difference for me

stuartk

There is nothing inherently "pretentious" about choosing separate transport and DAC over a CDP.  For many of us,the former route is a superior choice due to what we hear ...

Of course. It's also more practical because you can replace the transport as it ages out (they are all subject to mechanical as well as laser wear) without replacing the DAC. Or, you can upgrade your DAC without replacing the transport. Typically in  audio, I prefer separate components for flexibility.

Short answer, yes it does.....greatly.

I started with a Node 130 into a Denafrips Pontus II using several different connections, and thought it sounded great.....but this was my first steaming set up. Added a Denafrips Iris DDC at the recommendation of Alvin Chee at Vinshine and I2S cables (Audioquest Vodka (better at $500) and Supra Excalibur (a deal at $150). This was a huge leap in SQ. Later added an LHY linear power supply $279, which upped the anti as well, and the sound is something I could (and do currently do) live with for quite a while.

Here's the rub: I was silly enough to borrow an Aurender N10 and a N200 streamer, and they were stupid good. I am now saving the $6,000 for an Aurender/Lumin/Innuous, at which point I'll sell the Node set up. Once I heard the SQ improvement, I cannot "unhear" it.....it's only money after all

@vthokie83 been there done exactly that.  Unless you’re planning to upgrade your DAC, I’d suggest trying the Aurender N150 with your Pontus.  I own both the N150 and N200 and when tried with my Pontus, there was no significant difference in SQ.  Now once I tried the same two streamers with my Terminator Plus, the up tic in SQ was quite noticeable.

@rgottschalk with your system I’m very surprised that you did not hear a rather significant difference in SQ with the Zen mini.  While the Cinnamon USB could be improved upon I don’t believe you will still hear much improvement.  Did you give things time to settle in?  Not being blown away I could possibly understand, but something else was going on to not hear any difference. If you haven’t sent the mini back, I’d suggest trying things again taking Roon out of the equation.  Not really sure how Roon could be the culprit either but again with your other components, it’s the only thing I can think of that's preventing an improvement.