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Technical Network Streamer Question

Do the internal electronics that receive and process the network signal from your computer and/or phone have any effect on the audio quality? 


Or in other words;  If I am using a separate stand alone DAC, does my choice in network streamer not matter?


Obviously each streamer supports different apps such as Sonos, Tidal and Apple Airplay, BUT for arguments sake if they all supported my app of choosing and I was using a separate DAC would they all produce the same end result audio quality, or do the electronics that process the incoming signal from the CAT5 LAN connection and/or wifi antenna play a part in the audio quality as well?
10000_hz_legend
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

It matters big-time.  If you are using USB, the playback software, CODECs and the hardware/power supply all affect the SQ.  The jitter of the master clock inside matters.  Even after optimizing all of these, you still need one of these to clean-up the USB signal before it goes to your DAC:

https://sotm-usa.com/collections/sotm-ultra/products/copy-of-tx-usbultra-regenerator-1

Even using Ethernet networked audio (renderer), the router/switch matters, and the Ethernet cables matter.  The playback app still matters.  The jitter of the internal master clock matters.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio


gerryah930's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
gerryah930
144 posts
 
Great answers from knowledgeable people. I know the IT/computer end of this discussion because of some of my research. Most computer and cell phone hardware are not optimized for high-resolution audio. These clients will introduce a significant amount of noise and degrade the signal-to-noise ratio.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,006 posts
 
like Steve said.....but dont get overwhelmed and approach this as a project of refirnement done incrementally..

start with a good, well supported stream with a great control application - for affordability, sound quality AND a stellar control app, I recommend the Bluesound.  Since a streamer is really a computer it generates RF which does not mix well with your analog rig downstream, your DAC is also loaded with RF generating chips. I prefer a DAc with a faraday cage, but those are few and far between, so do your best to get the DAC and the Streamer power supply on a seperate circuit than your analog gear. Optical isolators are of value as well
Your network switch, WiFi and your computer are also going to have switching power supplies, best to get those on another circuit, remote is better...
Cables matter. In an affordable cable Blue Jeans in Seattle does a great job for Ethernet. I think you can do much better for SPDIF and USB, just my buck fifty....
have fun, enjoy the music....
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