Let us not forget that in computer-to-computer data transfers, data is checked and replaced if faulty. In audio streaming, it is a one-way street. I have played with more with the Ethernet cables recently, and some are sold as "the best" but I would give up the hobby if i has to actually keep them in my system. So, until you try a few, I'd suggest you really don't know.
Bluesound Node 2 vs. Auralic Aries Mini
Anyone have experience with both the Bluesound and the Auralic? Specifically, the user apps and their capabilities. I'm thinking about replacing my Squeezebox Touch to gain some newer technologies that allow higher bit rates and improved WiFi technology. My main concern is the WiFi and management capabilities, not the DAC as I'll use the digital out to drive an external DAC. I just want something that cleanly moves files from my PC library of primarily Apple Lossless ripped music and plays internet radio. I'd also like to be able to dabble with hi-rez formats, although I haven't taken much of a plunge there, yet. Streaming is not a big deal for me, but if the abilities are there that's no loss.
So, seems to me that the Node 2 and Aries Mini would both fit the bill. So it probably comes down to a matter of user experience with the control apps. Appreciate any thoughts!
So, seems to me that the Node 2 and Aries Mini would both fit the bill. So it probably comes down to a matter of user experience with the control apps. Appreciate any thoughts!
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Hmmmmm... in audio streaming, it is not a one way street. USB protocol is USB protocol and there's just as much error correction that happens whether it's music or a Microsoft Office document. Computers don't know the difference. Now, if you're talking about S/PDIF, or ethernet network signals (and with the latter, there's still standard error correction protocol) that's a different matter, but with USB it's ultimately a matter of correct data at the receiving end, clocked in at the proper time. Once that is achieved, a cable cannot "improve" the data. It may change it and make it different, but it won't improve it. |
wgutz : Here's a link I found regarding top Ethernet cables. https://audiobacon.net/category/cables/digital/ethernet/ . Do these findings agree with your experience? |
Hi yoby, I’m not wgutz (wish also to hear from him/her), but I found that article/review an excellent resource for comparing Ethernet cables and accruements. It lines right up with my perceptions of the sound of WW Platinum and the SR Ethernet Active SE cable (excepting mine has the UEF tuning bullets which I find to be a significant improvement over the Enigma bullets used in the audiobacon comparison). Will be hearing the SOtM Cat7 cable this weekend, so I can comment on that afterwards. dogmcd, My recent comparisons of the sound of three top USB cables between my Aurender and various DACs produced convincing audible differences that run counter to your statement, whether related to data transmission variables or something you are not accounting for I cannot say. My experience is that the sound character of various USB cables varies widely as well as their individual compatibility with different DACs. Actually trying these things rather than cognitively disqualifying such possibilities is the way to go IME. Dave |
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