lol! definitely old enuf to remember that. just remember though, assuming no processing of the digital stream (e.g., oversampling, dsp), all a streamer does is move a digital data stream between a server and your dac. In that case, the only thing that distinguishes one streamer from another is how they manage/minimize noise. “Tone” is established in the analogue realm, which means your DAC and downstream from there (amp and speakers). If that were not the case, you would see streamers marketed with tubes. Even the companies that market streamers that, in my view, are way overpriced don’t do that, which is a tacit acknowledgement of the silliness. To channel another classic Python scene, talking about the airspeed of an unladen swallow makes more sense than discussing a streamer’s “tone”.
New streamer needed
My streamer, 10yrs old, stopped functioning. Now I am listening to CDs again with the transport of the older Accuphase DP-67 and Merason Frerot DAC. The combination sounds great, very detailed and transparent. Now I am wondering how much money I would need to spend on a new streamer to match that sound level and which brands and models to look for. Any suggestions, possibly also from people who know the Merason and/or Accuphase? I am using Qobuz for streaming, and wireless options would be great too. Thank you.
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@stievus was hoping they would have bridged that gap with android support by now. |
@mdalton Okay, I get the noise reduction purpose now. Thanks @audphile1 The only way to test it is to buy it new, or very cheap so you can sell it again. No, I don't have dsd files. That's another advantage of being older...:-) |
Ok so DSD isn’t a requirement. But the main requirement stays which is you’re looking for a streamer that matches your cd player in sound quality. Another option is to bring your cd player with your few favorite reference cds to a dealer that would let you compare in the store. That also means you will be evaluating it in a system you’re not familiar with but it may be a better option than blind buying anything. They might also give you a demo unit to take home for a day or two, who knows. |
@audphile1 Sensible suggestions again, thanks! |
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