Added value of separate server?

Either the music file delivered by the server (laptop or whatever computer chip) device is bit perfect or it isnt.

If it isnt bit perfect then there is an incorrect software setting, additional processing or conversion being done, digital volume manipulation, a bug in the code or a hardware problem etc.

If what reaches the DAC is bit perfect then it should sound the same irrespective of where the digital file originated or there is a problem with the DAC (noise from laptop, jitter, ground loop, software bug, hardware failure etc. but for sure something is adversely affecting the DAC and the DAC has failed to do a proper job)

Blaming other equipmemt for a DAC failure to do a proper job is just making excuses for the DAC poor performance.

I’ve gone both routes.  Mac&DAC, Bluesound.
it come down to whether you would rather use a dedicated audio component—a server, with or without a DAC— or make a computer
work.  
  There are many theoretical reasons why a computer, with all of the other electronic tasks that it is required to perform, shouldn’t sound as good as a server.
  The truth, for me, is that both solutions can sound damn good.  It’s more work to make Computer Audio succeed.  I would rather pay a little extra for a dedicated audio component that does much of the work for me.  Bluesound isn’t that expensive, is reasonably simple if not perfect, sounds great, and can be used for whole house Audio.
In my main system it plugs into my DAC and sounds like any other digital source.
  The Aurender reviews are interesting.  Compare Serenius in Stereophile to Quint in TAS.  I tend to believe Serenius.  I don’t know why any company would release a $5K component that is so buggy that even high profile magazine reviewers, who deal with this stuff all the time, have to struggle with it.  For 5 grand the thing should work at near perfect levels, not be worse than a $300 laptop

I suppose a Bluesound Node 2 could send files to the Ayre QX-5 Twenty via ethernet, but would I need to move files from the iMac to the Node 2 disc?  And would I download files purchased from Acoustic Sounds directly to the Node 2?  Finally, could a Node 2 also send files to the Bryston SP3 in our surround setup, perhaps via ethernet?

db

@shadorne

Sorry if you don’t have the experience and knowledge needed on this subject, but what I said above is certainly true. Everything matters in this equation....everything. Until you have experimented, tested, and listened to all manner of options before the dac, then your comments are made in ignorance. I sense in your comments that you have not done such testing and experimenting. You are just relying on conventional book knowledge and this will not suffice on this fast changing sound medium. You could not possibly be more wrong.

The quality of power feeding the SSD and HDD drives matters. The quality of power feeding an upgraded usb card from the likes of SOtM matters. Do not use the standard SMPS found in all PCs etc...The low voltage power cords used on high quality LPSs to power the devices above matter. Turning off unneseccary computer functions/programs not needed for audio play back certainly matters. Using a high quality reclocker and LPS on your router or switch also matters. I could go on and on....All of this plays a very significant role in sound quality BEFORE the dac.


Please open your mind to others who actually have more experience then you on some matters. This would serve you well on this forum and in life.

@dbphd 
Bluesound Node 2 doesn’t have a Hard Drive storage.  For storage and CD ripping the Bluesound Vault2 is required.  The Node 2 is a network player with a bypassable DAC.
  The Node 2 should be able to recognize your NAS or PC and play it.  There are many happy Audiogon users if you check the Forums.
i’ve only Used the Node in combination with the Vault so I can only speak to the abilities of the combo