Streamer opinion.. Pease comment on validity.

There aren't that many streamer only devices with no DAC, so it's not easy to compare different streamers into the same DAC.  What I have done is compared the sound of the Bluesound Node 2 with its internal DAC to using my Sony TA-ZH1ES headphone amp's DAC.  There was a noticeable improvement using the DAC in the Sony.  For my other Node 2, I used my Auralic Vega DAC instead of the Node 2's internal DAC.  I never did a comparison between the Vega and the Node 2's DAC. 

While that doesn't answer the question of using different streamers with the same DAC, it lays some groundwork for what I did next, which was to replace the Node 2/Vega combination with a TEAC NT-505 streamer/DAC.  The TEAC, which cost less than $2,000 easily bested the sound quality of the Node 2 into the Vega (which was a $3,500 DAC when new). 

While it's possible that the Vega just isn't that good, or that the DAC in the TEAC is a giant killer, I believe that the difference is more likely due to having better streaming hardware sending the signal to the DAC.  I can't think of much, if anything, in the audio chain that doesn't matter, so it stands to reason that a better streaming source will result in better sound quality.

I would be very interested in a technical explanation of what it is that makes one streamer produce better sound than another.

Without getting into the technicals, because I can’t, it makes some sense that using a streamer that reduces noise and provides a better data stream to a DAC, even one with good filtration and re-clocking, could yield sonic advantages.  The analogy that comes to mind is that using some basic room treatments with a DSP room-correction device is preferable to using DSP alone.  Reasoning is that the DSP doesn’t have to work as hard and that the room treatments may correct certain anomalies better than the DSP can, so there is a combination effect going on.  I could see a similar benefit occurring in the server/streamer and DAC relationship.  Past that logic, after many years in audio one of the few overarching truths I’ve found to endure is that everything, no matter how small, in the audio chain matters to some degree.  I see no reason why the streamer/DAC interaction would be the thing that breaks that truth.  FWIW. 

I see this in a similar light as the question surrounding using a CD as a transport- and the differences between units. I have 2 older EAD units that I use with external DAC's and they are superior to any other CD player/transport I have used. I am certain better units exist, I just haven't heard them. Theoretically they are delivering just "digits", but even with my ancient ears I hear a significant difference.  Why would streamers be any different? Better signal paths, better components....should probably sound better. Whether that difference is worth $10K is up to the individual and their budget.

big_greg

There aren't that many streamer only devices with no DAC, so it's not easy to compare different streamers into the same DAC ...

Most streamers have digital outs, so comparing isn't difficult at all.

Well then, this question has been asked in a few threads.  Why isn't someone comparing then if it's so easy?  So far, I think Ozzy is the only one I've seen that's actually done it.