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Is there a big difference in digital streaming devices?

I am streaming digital using Deezer running it through an inexpensive Definitive Technologies wifi streamer($300 bucks). I have an Audion Silver Night Special Edition 300b integrated amp and Zu Soul Superfly speakers. I’m wondering if I’m missing any detail by not upgrading to a “better” more expensive DAC. I’ve read reviews on some like Lampizator, Border Patrol etc. I like the fact that I can play music from my phone via WiFi to the Definitive streamer so if I went with let’s say with a Border Patrol DAC and still used the Definitive for WiFi streaming to feed the Border Patrol DAC, would the Definitive become a week link or would I hear more detail by using the DAC in the Border Patrol. 
128x128rickraymond59
erik_squires
16,285 posts
 
Over the last 5-10 years DAC's have gotten MUCH better at dealing with high jitter sources. If you are dealing with a modern unit, the difference in streaming devices is a lot smaller than it will be with older.

Best,

E
jond's avatar
jond
5,879 posts
 
Yes pairing your streamer with a good outboard DAC will definitely be an improvement. I've not heard your streamer so can't comment on it otherwise.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

At $300, your streamer will not compete with other low jitter solutions.

An Ethernet or "network" DAC with a good master clock in it will easily outperform it.  WIFI can be added to any Ethernet DAC BTW.  You don't need a "streamer", just a LAN with WIFI or wired router and a computer.

It will of course cost more than $300.  My own Overdrive SX with Ethernet input can be used with Jriver or Audirvana on any computer and it will not affect sound quality.  Not sure if you can communicate to Jriver with an iPhone.

The Ethernet DAC IMO is the best way to achieve the lowest jitter possible and isolates the playback from any DSP software on the computer, such as the audio stack etc. It contains the only Master Clock and usually just before the D/A logic.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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