Streamer vs. CD Transport

The answer to your questions is it depends.  I used to use a blue sound node 2i streamer that I thought sounded great.  I made a significant upgrade and picked up an Aurender Streamer.  At 8x the price the the node 2i the difference in SQ is dramatic.  My Aurender is not even one of the higher end models as their flagship streamer is 22k so I can't imagine how that would sound.  Generally speaking unless you get into a high end streamer a redbook cd on a transport going into your dac will sound better....provided that it is a good transport.  For ultimate quality a SD card reader transport is the way to go and they are cheap compared to transports and streamers.  Here a review of one which basically gives you rundown of its operation.   https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/soundaware2/1.html

Mtavares,

I ordered the Silverstar cable on approval per your recommendation.  I’ll let you know how it sounds.

jaudio,

I wonder what sound difference you hear with the Aurender vs the Bluesound Node 2I.  When I was looking at the Bluesound Node 2i, I was also looking at the Bel Canto eOne streamer at double the price and wondered if I would hear significantly better sound quality.

rvpiano,

Nice to hear that you will try the Black Cat Silvestar. This way you will use the best connections between your equipments.  QJA

Mtavares,

It arrived in one day. i already connected it. The Cable Company lends you a burnt in loaner cable to try out to see if you like it.
At first, it sounded constricted.  But after several hours playing its starting to fill out very nicely.  It sounds like a keeper.

Thanks very much for the recommendation!